Comparison

Lake Observer vs EDDMapS Pro

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

Head to head
About

Lake Observer

Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Lake Observer4 screens
EDDMapS Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Lake Observer versus EDDMapS Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLake ObserverEDDMapS Pro
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size64 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Inc.Charles T. Bargeron

In-app purchases

None

Lake Observer

No in-app purchases

None

EDDMapS Pro

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lake Observer free?
Lake Observer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is EDDMapS Pro free?
EDDMapS Pro is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Lake Observer or EDDMapS Pro have ads?
Neither Lake Observer nor EDDMapS Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lake Observer or EDDMapS Pro?
Lake Observer ships an update every 5 weeks, and EDDMapS Pro every 3 weeks. Most recently, Lake Observer was updated on September 15, 2026 and EDDMapS Pro on September 2, 2026.

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