Lake Observer vs Wildnote
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lake Observer
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The Lake Observer application is a tool that empowers citizen scientists to more easily record measurements and observations while working in the field. Lake Observer was designed by members of the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) as part of a crowdsourcing platform to facilitate the collection and sharing of lake- and water-related information across the globe.
Wildnote
This platform offers customizable cloud-based data collection, management, and reporting for environmental consulting. It provides pre-built forms and reports for various disciplines, automating processes to improve efficiency and deliver faster, accurate regulatory-compliant reports.
- Customizable cloud-based data collection
- Pre-built and custom forms/reports
- Automated workflow and reporting
- Offline data collection
- Integrated photo management
- Built-in taxonomy and soil colors
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Wildnote is The Environmental Consulting Platform for customizable cloud-based data collection, management, and reporting. It has pre-built forms and reports for a broad spectrum of environmental consulting disciplines, yet can be customized to support complex workflow, reporting, and branding needs. Established workflows for USACE Wetland Delineations, SWPPP, Construction Compliance, Cultural Resources, Paleontology, Endangered Species Monitoring, Mitigation Banking and Restoration and more. From mobile data collection and photo management, to frustration-free reporting, Wildnote automates your processes while improving your project efficiency by 40-80% allowing you to deliver faster, more accurate regulatory-compliant reports with project transparency. Key Mobile App Features: -Works Offline -Integrated Photo Management -Extensive form library, or build your own forms for your project needs -Built-in taxonomy with scientific name, common name and indicator status with taxonomy favorites -Built-in Munsell soil colors -Upload associated project documents and reference materials -Works with Trimble R-1, Trimble Catalyst, EOS Arrow, Bad Elf Pro, Juniper Geode Regulatory Data Collection for: -All 10 USACE Wetland Regions with built-in calculations -Ordinary Highwater Mark (Arid West and Interim) -California Rapid Assessment Method -Cultural Resources SHPO Solutions for California, Nevada and Utah with flexibility for all states.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Wildnote at fortnightly against Lake Observer's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Lake Observer ships an update every 2 months, Wildnote fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Lake Observer | Wildnote |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.7 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 20.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 57 MB | 109 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Inc. | Spatial Networks, Inc |
In-app purchases
Lake Observer
No in-app purchases
Wildnote
No in-app purchases









