Mobile Data Collection vs Workforce for ArcGIS
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Mobile Data Collection
This app allows users to collect and update field data in real-time using custom digital forms on mobile devices. It supports offline data capture, various field types including media and signatures, and integrates with a web platform for data analysis and collaboration.
- Custom form builder
- Offline data capture
- Real-time synchronization
- Media-rich data collection
- Electronic signatures
- Data analysis and export
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GIS Cloud Mobile Data Collection is a solution for recording and updating data in the field with mobile devices in real time, also allowing instant data access from the office. Digitize your workflow and eliminate errors and time-consuming paperwork! The mobile app enables you to accurately record data, online or offline, by filling in digital custom survey forms. You can create an unlimited number of your own unique forms in the user-friendly form builder, in the connected web app (Mobile Data Collection Portal). Continue working on your data, edit, share, and collaborate through GIS Cloud powerful web Map Editor app. Find everything you need for your workflow in one platform, no need for integrations. Collect points, lines, or polygons! Use GPS to capture data on the go, or switch to manual and use pinpoint and drawing tools for even better precision. Form fields are fully customizable and you can choose from text fields, selects lists, radio buttons, checkboxes, electronic signature, autofill, barcode, photo and audio, hidden fields, and much more. To control data accuracy and eliminate errors, make your form fields required, conditional (dependent on other form fields or data input), or persistent. Manage your field staff and share projects with custom forms to field workers by assigning them the collect and update permissions, and they can instantly start collecting data in the field. Simply sign into your GIS Cloud account (or sign up for free) and send collected data directly to your GIS Cloud app in the cloud. Data is immediately represented on a map, just click on any map feature to access collected data. Generate reports from the web app. Access data through GIS Cloud Map Editor, where you can further edit and style your data, overlay with additional data layers analyze data, share data with colleagues with different permissions to collaborate on projects. You can also export data and much more. Collect field data and conduct field surveys faster and easier than ever before. Start creating forms in the MDC Portal web app on https://giscloud.com and have your team out and about in a quarter of an hour! All you need in the field: - Offline data capture - Offline maps - Points, Lines, and Polygons geometry support - Media (photos & audio) enriched location information - QR code and barcode support - Electronic signature - Dropdowns, lists, input boxes, and comments based on custom forms - Review data attributes directly in the app - Search through data on the map - Control different layers in the map - Edit existing data - Listen to audio and view images - Real-time GPS location - View and explore maps in the field Prepare and analyze in the office: - Cloud-based web apps - Custom forms designer - Rich GIS symbology and visualization - Data editing and exporting - One-click map and data sharing - Real-time collaboration - Map publishing - Spatial Queries & Analysis - Account administration Note! This app will use GPS in the background to give you the most accurate and current location. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us at support@giscloud.com. Privacy Policy: https://www.giscloud.com/wp-content/uploads/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use: https://www.giscloud.com/wp-content/uploads/terms-of-use.html
Workforce for ArcGIS
This app provides a unified view for field and office teams, enabling efficient task assignment and tracking. It helps dispatch the right personnel with the necessary tools for their jobs. Users can manage assignments, share their status, and access supporting documents.
- Receive field assignments
- Sort to-do lists by priority/location
- Launch other ArcGIS apps
- Share status and location
- Add assignment notes
- View supporting documents
- Contact other mobile workers
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ArcGIS is available on your desktop, in a browser, and now on your iPhone or iPad. Workforce for ArcGIS enables a common view in the field and the office. Get the right worker to the right place with the right tools to do the right job. Features: - Receive assignments in the field - Sort your To Do list by priority, location, type, or due date - Launch other ArcGIS apps to get your work done - Share your status and location with the office - Add notes about your assignments - View supporting documents from your dispatcher - Find and contact other mobile workers Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Mobile Data Collection at 4.8 against Workforce for ArcGIS's 3.8. Workforce for ArcGIS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. Mobile Data Collection sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $39.99 per month. Workforce for ArcGIS asks for nothing beyond the download.
Mobile Data Collection holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 16 respectively.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and August 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Mobile Data Collection | Workforce for ArcGIS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (41 ratings) — better | 3.8 (16 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 41 — better | 16 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 135 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | GIS Cloud Inc. | ESRI |
Customer experience
Mobile Data Collection
Workforce for ArcGIS
In-app purchases
Mobile Data Collection
- 1 month subscription$39.991 Month
Workforce for ArcGIS
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Mobile Data Collection free?
Is Workforce for ArcGIS free?
Which has better reviews, Mobile Data Collection or Workforce for ArcGIS?
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Which is updated more often, Mobile Data Collection or Workforce for ArcGIS?
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