# The Waterbug App vs NatureMapr data collector

The clearest difference is update cadence: NatureMapr data collector at every 6 weeks against The Waterbug App's every 9 months. NatureMapr data collector also leads on iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

The Waterbug App ships an update every 9 months, NatureMapr data collector every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Waterbug App | NatureMapr data collector |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews | **91.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 59 MB | 158 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.2** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Sharman](https://appshunter.io/developer/926215556) | [at3am IT Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/995856272) |

## What reviewers say

### The Waterbug App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-waterbug-app/id926215557)

Identify freshwater invertebrates found in Australian waterways. Assess the health of rivers, creeks, and wetlands by observing these creatures. Contribute your findings to a national citizen science program.

**Highlights:** Waterbug identification, River health assessment, Citizen science contribution, Data submission, Australian freshwater invertebrates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### NatureMapr data collector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/naturemapr-data-collector/id1042299523)

This application allows users to report observations of plants and animals across Australia. The collected data is then shared with relevant government agencies, researchers, and environmental organizations. It's designed for community members, students, and professionals alike to contribute to environmental monitoring.

**Highlights:** Report plant and animal sightings, Data shared with government and researchers, Contribute to environmental monitoring, Australian-made and hosted, Suitable for all community members

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Waterbug App free?

The Waterbug App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NatureMapr data collector free?

NatureMapr data collector is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do The Waterbug App or NatureMapr data collector have ads?

Neither The Waterbug App nor NatureMapr data collector shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Waterbug App or NatureMapr data collector?

The Waterbug App ships an update every 9 months, and NatureMapr data collector every 6 weeks. Most recently, The Waterbug App was updated on November 1, 2026 and NatureMapr data collector on November 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*