Lake Observer vs EDDMapS Pro
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.
EDDMapS Pro
This professional tool allows biologists and land managers to report, monitor, and manage invasive species with detailed observations, offline maps, and data synchronization. It supports time-series monitoring, custom forms, and boundary overlays for effective spatial planning and control.
- Report and submit observations with GPS and photos
- Download datasets for offline review
- Record revisits and contest records
- Photo projects for time-series monitoring
- Use custom monitoring forms
- Import KML for boundary overlays
- Offline maps and workflow
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EDDMapS Pro – Professional Invasive Species Mapping & Management EDDMapS Pro is the powerful mobile tool for biologists, land managers, and field teams to report, monitor, prioritize, and combat invasive species effectively. Key Features: • Report & Submit Observations — Create and submit detailed reports with GPS, photos, status (Positive, Negative, Treated, Eradicated), and notes. • Download Datasets — Pull county-level or custom datasets of observations for offline review and planning. • Record Revisits & Contests — Navigate back to sites for updates, contest inaccurate records, or (as a verifier) approve submissions directly in-app. • Photo Projects for Time-Series Monitoring — Establish projects to capture consistent photos over time; the first image serves as a transparent overlay guide for precise alignment on follow-up visits. • Monitoring Zones — Access and use custom forms set up on eddmaps.org for location-specific monitoring protocols. • Project Area Boundary Overlays — Import and load KML files to display property lines, management units, or other boundaries directly on the map for better spatial context. • SIIPA Integration — Access and utilize Spatial Invasive Infestation and Priority Analysis (SIIPA) data and tools to help prioritize treatment areas based on infestation patterns and management goals. • Offline Maps & Workflow — Download map imagery for no-service areas; reports queue locally for users to upload when convenient. • Customizable Views — Filter species lists, toggle report types, and tailor the experience to your workflow. All data syncs seamlessly with the national EDDMapS database (eddmaps.org), supporting real-time distribution mapping, early detection, and collaborative invasive species control across states. Free for qualified professionals—empower your invasive species management today!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Lake Observer at 12.0 against EDDMapS Pro's 18.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 5 weeks, EDDMapS Pro every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Lake Observer | EDDMapS Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 64 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Inc. | Charles T. Bargeron |
In-app purchases
Lake Observer
No in-app purchases
EDDMapS Pro
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Lake Observer free?
Is EDDMapS Pro free?
Do Lake Observer or EDDMapS Pro have ads?
Which is updated more often, Lake Observer or EDDMapS Pro?
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