Comparison

Mapboard GIS vs Lithos

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Mapboard GIS

This iPad app allows users to draw field maps using an Apple Pencil, combining the ease of pen-and-paper with the precision of GIS. It's designed for geologists and others needing interpretive mapping, offering intuitive tools for creating topologically consistent geologic maps.

Highlights
  • Pen-based editing tools
  • Intuitive reshaping and snapping
  • Iterative topology solver
  • Onboard Spatialite GIS engine
  • Native GIS software compatibility
  • User-configurable data types
  • Tether to remote PostGIS
Features
Read full description

Mapboard GIS is an iPad app for drawing maps with an Apple Pencil. Mapboard combines the intuitive workflow of pen-and-paper mapping with the precision, flexibility, and scale-independence of geospatial information systems (GIS). Its forward-looking design helps beginner and expert mappers produce multiscale, topologically consistent geologic maps. MOTIVATION AND DESIGN Mapboard GIS was born out of frustration with both paper– and GIS-based mapping workflows. It is primarily designed for geologists but is potentially useful in many situations demanding interpretive mapping. Mapboard attempts to bring digital mapping closer to the intuitive experience provided by paper. A sophisticated open-source spatial engine drives simple tools for drawing, erasing, and reshaping features. Outputs are natively compatible with common GIS software. Mapboard allows mapping time to be spent refining interpretations instead of fighting with technical tools. KEY FEATURES - Editing tools geared towards pen-based mapping - Powerful and intuitive reshaping, snapping, and erasing - Iterative topology solver to fill map units - Sophisticated onboard Spatialite GIS engine - Project files natively readable by standard GIS software (QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.) - User-configurable data types for line and polygon features - Tether to remote PostGIS for work across large datasets and real-time collaboration - Interoperable with standard formats (mbtiles, Spatialite, PostGIS) and open-source + commercial software OTHER FEATURES - Load MBTiles basemaps - Satellite, streets, and topographic basemaps - Dark mode support - Geologic line types TERMS OF USE: https://mapboard-gis.app/terms-of-service PRIVACY POLICY: https://mapboard-gis.app/privacy CHANGELOG: https://mapboard-gis.app/docs/ios/releases

About

Lithos

Read full description

An iPad & iPhone App for Geoscientists to Collect, Integrate, Analyse, and Interpret Earth Science Data in an Applied GIS Environment. Our Simple & Smart Process An all digital workflow with an intuitive approach away from classic paper challenges and transcription errors and that integrates seamlessly into your existing systems and workflows. Step 1: Collect Any & All Observations Setup your project first, then observe the outcrop, lab results or other relevant geoscientific data, add a point on the field map, verify the positioning and document the needed information with dedicated records. No need to manually transcribe your rained-on, warped, and/or ripped paper field slips, notes, and sketches in the evening. Step 2: Integrate The Stratigraphy Create one or more stratigraphic columns. The individual units are each linked to the rocktype and contact records of the relevant observations so you can easily identify the reference observations of a unit, validate compatibility and make modifications. Step 3: Analyse & Interpret Your Geospatial Data Continuously analyse your collection of observation data, which is automatically categorised onto dedicated location and observation maps and tables upon entry. This will enable you to develop and modify your interpretation, track your progress and plan ahead. Smarter Technologies, Integrated with Care • Harness On-Device GPS To enhance your experience, device capabilities are leveraged for swift data acquisition, comprehensible visualisation and comprehensive analyses. • Compile & Store Spatial Data Each project has GIS at its core for accurate and reliable spatial data work. The data is stored in a SQLite database of the open GeoPackage format. • Collaborate with Your Team Share projects through iCloud, allowing multiple users to add observations in real time and build a unified understanding of your site without manual file transfers. • Access Cloudless, Hi-Res Satellite Imagery Our maps provide the advantage of seamless layers of cloudless, worldwide, high-resolution satellite imagery. • Access 3D Terrain Data Our maps also provide the advantage of 3D map visualisation, detailed terrain with elevation data, and streets, trails and labels. • Access Base Maps Offline Download regions of Mapbox maps to verify and correct your position, even in ‘dark’ spots where acquiring GPS and cellular signals are a challenge. Dedicated Records Document your observations thoroughly without forgetting any details. Each observation contains selectable and open fill forms to complete as part of a dedicated record keeping system with spatial analysis and quality assurance enhancements. Simple. Efficient. Effective. Additional features and tools you need to document your observations and drive accurate Earth systems understanding. • Manage Your Collection Gather like a squirrel nearing winter and view your data on maps, in tables and as stratigraphic columns. • Turn Complexity Into Insights Have your data automatically categorised onto dedicated location and observation maps. • Sketch & Annotate It Make sketches, annotate photos, and write free-form notes with each observation. • Have Confidence In Your Data Provide a confidence rating with each record type and build a robust dataset. • Sync Across Devices Seamlessly and securely sync your projects across your Apple devices. ... And Much More Lithos improves over time as new features are added. Usage of Lithos is covered by the standard Apple End User License Agreement available at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Lithos4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Mapboard GIS at 16.1 against Lithos's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Mapboard GIS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per year and Lithos sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, Lithos every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Mapboard GIS versus Lithos: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMapboard GISLithos
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.1 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB72 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaven QuinnOne North Software Pte. Ltd.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mapboard GIS

Subscriptions1
  • Full Version$29.991 Year
1 purchases

Lithos

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Plan1 Month trial$49.991 Month

Questions

Is Mapboard GIS free?
Mapboard GIS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Lithos free?
Lithos is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Mapboard GIS or Lithos have ads?
Neither Mapboard GIS nor Lithos shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mapboard GIS or Lithos?
Mapboard GIS ships an update every 2 months, and Lithos every 6 weeks. Most recently, Mapboard GIS was updated on September 24, 2026 and Lithos on October 12, 2026.

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