Comparison

Mobile Data Collection vs GIS Lite

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Custom form builder
  • Offline data capture
  • Real-time synchronization
  • Media-rich data collection
  • Electronic signatures
  • Data analysis and export
Features
Read full description

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

About

GIS Lite

This app allows users to view and collect spatial data on their mobile devices. It supports various file formats, enables field data collection with photo attachments, and offers note-taking capabilities directly on maps. Offline access and extensive projection support make it ideal for field work.

Highlights
  • Load and view DXF, KML, Shapefiles, GeoTiff
  • Collect field data with photo attachments
  • Freehand/pencil notes over maps
  • Export georeferenced TIFFs
  • Offline data access
  • Support for over 3000 projections
  • Apple Pencil support for object selection
Read full description

GIS Lite. Use your iPad and iPhone to open DXF, KML, Shapefiles, GeoTiff, WorldFiles and more. Collect data on the field, attach photos and share pdf item reports. Take freehand / pencil notes over maps and export georeferenced tiff. Features that support property view available. New updates will gradually add features that will transform your device to a complete GIS station. GIS Lite is a professional mobile GIS solution that enables users to load and view heir own data over a background of map service imagery. Open of various vector data formats is supported. Below a list of current support types. ** For formats that use support files (eg dbf for shapefiles), files must be in the dedicated iCloud/GIS_Lite folder, so that access is provided to the application. Raster Files * #GeoTiff GIS Lite can open and render your GeoTiff files directly on the map. #WoldFiles** Open PNG, JPG or TIFF file using the corresponding world file (pgw,jpw,tfw). Just specify the projection used. Vector Files #DXF files .dxf Select your file to open from local or iCloud storage. You will need to select data projection. Layers and styles will be loaded. #KML / KMZ files .kml / .kmz #ESRI Shapefiles .shp Select .zip file that contains .shp, .dbf, .prj files Or Select your .shp file to open from local or iCloud storage. If you want a full load (.dbf attributes and .prj file), the files must be copied in iCloud application folder (GIS_Lite). If not, you can still view your data. In that case, only geometry will be loaded and you will have to define projection. Rendering of geometry primitives is currently available (points / lines / polygons) Parsing engine is continuously updated so stay updated for more features. Create datasets by collecting data on the field. Capture on field photos and attach to polygon / line / point record. Version 1.6 introduces Apple Pencil usage for enhanced object selection. Your spatial data is stored on the iPhone, so there’s no need for an Internet connection to see your data – great for field work. We also support over 3000 projections, so no need for re-projection. Change Basemap among apple map / satellite / hybrid and more. This application is optimised to provide • High parse and render speed • Zoom to extend • Zoom to selection • Select objects on map • Display attributes • Highlight selection items • Extensive projection list • GPS position • Export and share selected objects Some basic GIS background is assumed to be able to use the application (projections, layers, etc) *Images loaded are currently restricted to 2 MegaPixel size for performance reasons.

Screenshots

Mobile Data Collection4 screens
GIS Lite4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GIS Lite at none against Mobile Data Collection's 1. GIS Lite also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). Mobile Data Collection's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 50%). On price, ads and device support 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. Mobile Data Collection sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $39.99 per month. GIS Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mobile Data Collection ships an update every 2 months, GIS Lite every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Mobile Data Collection versus GIS Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMobile Data CollectionGIS Lite
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (41 ratings) — better
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings41 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGIS Cloud Inc.Ioannis Sofos

Customer experience

Mobile Data Collection

All ratings41 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral2.4%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

GIS Lite

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mobile Data Collection

Subscriptions1
  • 1 month subscription$39.991 Month
None

GIS Lite

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mobile Data Collection free?
Mobile Data Collection is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GIS Lite free?
GIS Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Mobile Data Collection or GIS Lite have ads?
Neither Mobile Data Collection nor GIS Lite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mobile Data Collection or GIS Lite?
Mobile Data Collection ships an update every 2 months, and GIS Lite every 6 days. Most recently, Mobile Data Collection was updated on September 9, 2026 and GIS Lite on September 17, 2026.

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