# Lake Observer vs EDDMapS Pro

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lake Observer | EDDMapS Pro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eddmaps-pro/id1207452368/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 64 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1191994757) | [Charles T. Bargeron](https://appshunter.io/developer/381326173) |

## What reviewers say

### Lake Observer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lake-observer/id961878517)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### EDDMapS Pro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eddmaps-pro/id1207452368)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


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