LogScanner vs Forester's Friend
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LogScanner
Read full descriptionHide full description
LogScanner turns your iPhone Pro into a professional log measurement tool. Using your device's built-in LiDAR sensor, LogScanner captures accurate 3D geometry of any log — giving sawmill operators, woodlot owners, and timber buyers a fast, reliable way to assess logs in the field. Track a group of logs in a project group and automatically generate summary reports to summarize the measurement data. TRY IT FREE Download LogScanner and start scanning immediately — no account required. The free version lets you scan any log and view its 3D geometry in real time, so you can see exactly how the app works on your logs before committing to a subscription. Upgrade to LogMaster: Sawmill Optimizer for the full experience! LOGSCANNER PRO Unlock the full power of LiDAR log measurement: • Diameter — small end, large end, and mid-log cross-section • Length — full log length captured in a single scan • Taper — calculated automatically from end-to-end diameter difference • Board Feet Yield — Doyle, Scribner, International, and more log scaling rules, selectable per scan • Save & Load — save scans to your device and reload them for review or export • Export — share results as PDF reports or CSV data files for your records BUILT FOR THE FIELD LogScanner is designed to work where you work — outdoors, on the landing, at the mill, or in the bush. Scans complete in seconds. No internet connection required. All data stays on your device. WHO IT'S FOR LogScanner Pro is built for portable sawmill operators, small and mid-sized sawmill businesses, woodlot owners, log buyers, and anyone who needs fast, reliable log measurement without a tape measure and a scaling stick. REQUIREMENTS LogScanner requires an iPhone 12 Pro or later with a LiDAR Scanner. Compatible with iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and later Pro models. IMPORTANT Log measurements are estimates based on LiDAR sensor data and are intended as decision-support tools. Results may vary based on scanning conditions, log surface, and device. LogScanner is not a certified scaling instrument and does not satisfy legal scaling requirements where applicable.
Forester's Friend
This app streamlines forestry fieldwork by allowing users to create projects, record tree measurements, and generate professional reports. It supports various cruising methods and provides detailed timber estimates and value calculations.
- Project, stand, and plot organization
- Fixed-area and prism cruising
- Tree measurement entry (species, DBH, height)
- Timber estimate and value calculations
- Professional report generation
- Multiple export formats (PDF, Excel, CSV)
- Local device storage
Read full descriptionHide full description
Forester’s Friend is a mapping, cruising. and reporting app built to help foresters move from field measurements to clear, professional results. In just one app you can create projects, organize properties into stands, map forestry features, plan and conduct timber cruises, review inventory estimates, calculate stand statistics, and prepare professional reports. Forester’s Friend supports both fixed-area and variable-radius prism cruising and designed around common forestry practices. Record species, diameter at breast height, height, product class, plot information, field notes, and custom fields while working stand by stand. MAPS & GIS Use built-in mapping tools to view stands, cruise points, boundaries, and other forestry features, and also files can be imported from ArcGIS Pro. Map features can be organized into layers and linked directly to the stands and plots they represent, helping keep field data and map information together. Mapped stand boundaries can also be used to calculate stand acreage and support cruise planning. TIMBER CRUISING Forester’s Friend supports common timber inventory workflows, including: – Fixed-area plot cruising – Variable-radius prism cruising – Species and DBH entry – Total and merchantable height information – Product classification – Plot and tree organization – Field notes and cruise information INVENTORY & VALUE ESTIMATES Turn field measurements into useful stand-level estimates, including: – Trees per acre – Basal area per acre – Merchantable green tons – Timber volume estimates – Stumpage value – Product-level summaries Supported product classes include pine pulpwood, chip-n-saw, pine sawtimber, hardwood pulpwood, and hardwood sawtimber. REVIEW YOUR RESULTS Stand Review brings important cruise information together so you can examine results before preparing a report. Detailed calculation information helps make estimates easier to understand and review. REPORTS & EXPORTS Create professional project and stand reports for your records, clients, landowners, or coursework. Export and share forestry data using formats including: – PDF reports – Excel workbooks – CSV files – Forester’s Friend project files – GIS data BUILT FOR THE FIELD Forester’s Friend is designed to reduce the amount of time spent moving between field notes, spreadsheets, mapping software, and reports. Your projects, stands, maps, cruise data, calculations, and reports stay organized within the same workflow. Whether you are conducting a timber inventory, estimating current stumpage value, planning a cruise, reviewing a stand, or preparing information for a landowner, client, or class, Forester’s Friend keeps your forestry data together. Project information is stored locally on your device unless you choose to export or share it. No account or subscription is required.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Forester's Friend at none against LogScanner's 2. LogScanner's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.5). On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. LogScanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Forester's Friend asks for nothing beyond the download.
LogScanner ships an update every 3 weeks, Forester's Friend every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on October 8, 2026.
| Parameter | LogScanner | Forester's Friend |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 4 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 26.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 44 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Bunyan Software | Charlie Bargeron |
In-app purchases
LogScanner
- LogScanner Pro — Monthly$4.991 Month
- LogScanner Pro — Annual$49.991 Year
Forester's Friend
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LogScanner free?
Is Forester's Friend free?
Do LogScanner or Forester's Friend have ads?
Which is updated more often, LogScanner or Forester's Friend?
Other comparisons















