Quick Overview
- 1#1: ArcGIS Field Maps - Comprehensive mobile GIS application for capturing, editing, and sharing high-accuracy field data with offline support.
- 2#2: Fulcrum - User-friendly platform for building custom mobile forms to collect, manage, and analyze field data offline.
- 3#3: KoBoToolbox - Open-source tool for designing, deploying, and managing complex data collection forms in humanitarian and research settings.
- 4#4: ODK Collect - Robust Android app for offline-first data collection using standardized XLSForm surveys.
- 5#5: Survey123 - Smart form builder for creating location-aware surveys and collecting geospatial field data.
- 6#6: QField - Open-source mobile GIS app for viewing, editing, and synchronizing QGIS projects in the field.
- 7#7: GoCanvas - Digital forms platform that replaces paper-based processes with mobile inspections and data capture.
- 8#8: ProntoForms - Mobile forms solution with workflow automation, GPS tracking, and real-time data synchronization.
- 9#9: Trimble TerraFlex - Cloud-connected mobile GIS tool for high-accuracy data collection using GNSS receivers.
- 10#10: EpiCollect5 - Free web and mobile platform for rapid design and deployment of structured field data collection projects.
Tools were selected based on key factors including core functionality, reliability, ease of use, integration capabilities, and value, ensuring a comprehensive ranking of solutions that balance performance with practicality for real-world field applications.
Comparison Table
Discover the top field data collection tools with this comparison table, featuring popular options like ArcGIS Field Maps, Fulcrum, KoBoToolbox, and more, designed to simplify on-the-ground data gathering. Learn about core features, use cases, and usability to find the right software for mapping, surveying, or open-source projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ArcGIS Field Maps Comprehensive mobile GIS application for capturing, editing, and sharing high-accuracy field data with offline support. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fulcrum User-friendly platform for building custom mobile forms to collect, manage, and analyze field data offline. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | KoBoToolbox Open-source tool for designing, deploying, and managing complex data collection forms in humanitarian and research settings. | other | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | ODK Collect Robust Android app for offline-first data collection using standardized XLSForm surveys. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 5 | Survey123 Smart form builder for creating location-aware surveys and collecting geospatial field data. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | QField Open-source mobile GIS app for viewing, editing, and synchronizing QGIS projects in the field. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 7 | GoCanvas Digital forms platform that replaces paper-based processes with mobile inspections and data capture. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | ProntoForms Mobile forms solution with workflow automation, GPS tracking, and real-time data synchronization. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Trimble TerraFlex Cloud-connected mobile GIS tool for high-accuracy data collection using GNSS receivers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | EpiCollect5 Free web and mobile platform for rapid design and deployment of structured field data collection projects. | other | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive mobile GIS application for capturing, editing, and sharing high-accuracy field data with offline support.
User-friendly platform for building custom mobile forms to collect, manage, and analyze field data offline.
Open-source tool for designing, deploying, and managing complex data collection forms in humanitarian and research settings.
Robust Android app for offline-first data collection using standardized XLSForm surveys.
Smart form builder for creating location-aware surveys and collecting geospatial field data.
Open-source mobile GIS app for viewing, editing, and synchronizing QGIS projects in the field.
Digital forms platform that replaces paper-based processes with mobile inspections and data capture.
Mobile forms solution with workflow automation, GPS tracking, and real-time data synchronization.
Cloud-connected mobile GIS tool for high-accuracy data collection using GNSS receivers.
Free web and mobile platform for rapid design and deployment of structured field data collection projects.
ArcGIS Field Maps
enterpriseComprehensive mobile GIS application for capturing, editing, and sharing high-accuracy field data with offline support.
Seamless, real-time integration with the full ArcGIS platform for instant data syncing, analysis, and sharing across field and office teams.
ArcGIS Field Maps is a comprehensive mobile and web app from Esri for field data collection, enabling users to view, edit, and share maps with high accuracy. It supports offline workflows, configurable smart forms for data capture, photo/video attachments, and integration with GNSS receivers for precise positioning. Designed for GIS professionals, it facilitates real-time collaboration and seamless syncing with the broader ArcGIS platform for analysis and reporting.
Pros
- Unmatched integration with ArcGIS ecosystem for enterprise workflows
- Robust offline editing and high-accuracy GNSS support
- Advanced smart forms, attachments, and real-time collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-GIS users
- Requires paid ArcGIS subscription for full editing capabilities
- Can be resource-intensive on lower-end mobile devices
Best For
Enterprise organizations and GIS professionals needing scalable, integrated field data collection with advanced spatial capabilities.
Pricing
Free for basic map viewing; full editing requires ArcGIS Online subscription starting at $100/user/year (Creator or Field Worker role).
Fulcrum
specializedUser-friendly platform for building custom mobile forms to collect, manage, and analyze field data offline.
Native geospatial form fields with automatic GPS stamping, photo geotagging, and direct GIS exports
Fulcrum is a robust field data collection platform designed for mobile teams to create custom forms for capturing geospatial data, including photos, signatures, and GPS locations. It excels in offline-first workflows, allowing data collection without internet and automatic syncing upon reconnection. The platform supports advanced integrations with GIS systems like ArcGIS and Esri, making it ideal for location-based inspections, surveys, and asset management.
Pros
- Exceptional offline capabilities with reliable auto-sync
- Powerful form builder with geospatial fields, repeatables, and conditional logic
- Strong GIS integrations and data export options (Shapefile, KML, GeoJSON)
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced form customization
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Limited native reporting; relies on exports for analytics
Best For
Field teams in environmental monitoring, utilities, construction, and government requiring precise geospatial data collection with offline support.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Plus at $25/user/month; Advanced at $45/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
KoBoToolbox
otherOpen-source tool for designing, deploying, and managing complex data collection forms in humanitarian and research settings.
Seamless offline-first data collection optimized for challenging environments, with background syncing and no data loss even in zero-connectivity areas
KoBoToolbox is a free, open-source platform designed for rapid creation, deployment, and management of data collection forms in field environments, particularly for humanitarian and development work. Users build forms using an intuitive drag-and-drop builder or advanced XLSForm spreadsheets, and collect data offline via the KoBoCollect mobile app on Android devices. It offers real-time dashboards, data visualization, and export options, with strong support for geolocation, multimedia, and complex logic like skips and validations.
Pros
- Fully offline data collection with automatic syncing
- Powerful form logic and multimedia support including GPS and photos
- Free and open-source with unlimited public projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced XLSForm features
- Limited native integrations with external tools
- Free tier restricts private projects to one form
Best For
NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and researchers needing robust offline data collection in low-connectivity or remote field settings.
Pricing
Free for unlimited public projects; paid plans start at $50/month (Starter) for private projects, unlimited forms, and priority support, with Enterprise custom pricing.
ODK Collect
specializedRobust Android app for offline-first data collection using standardized XLSForm surveys.
Offline-first data collection with advanced XLSForm logic, skipping, and external data pulls for complex surveys
ODK Collect is a free, open-source Android app designed for robust field data collection in challenging environments, supporting offline form filling with multimedia, GPS, and complex logic via XLSForm definitions. Users design forms in tools like ODK Build, capture data without internet, and sync to servers like ODK Central or Aggregate when connectivity returns. It's a staple for humanitarian, research, and monitoring projects worldwide.
Pros
- Fully free and open-source with no usage limits
- Superior offline functionality with multimedia and geolocation support
- Highly customizable forms via XLSForm standard used by industry
Cons
- Steep learning curve for form design and advanced logic
- Android-only app limits iOS users
- Requires self-hosting or setup for data aggregation server
Best For
NGOs, researchers, and field teams in low-connectivity areas needing powerful, cost-free data collection tools.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source; optional paid cloud hosting for ODK Central starts at $10/month for small teams.
Survey123
enterpriseSmart form builder for creating location-aware surveys and collecting geospatial field data.
Native integration with ArcGIS feature layers for real-time spatial data syncing and advanced mapping
Survey123, part of Esri's ArcGIS platform, is a mobile-first app for designing and deploying interactive forms to collect field data via smartphones and tablets. It excels in geospatial data capture, supporting GPS-enabled locations, photos, signatures, and barcodes with robust offline functionality. Collected data integrates seamlessly into ArcGIS for mapping, analysis, and sharing, making it ideal for location-based workflows.
Pros
- Deep integration with ArcGIS for spatial analysis and mapping
- Strong offline data collection with media capture and GPS accuracy
- Flexible form building with logic, repeats, and calculations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for XLSForm authoring and ArcGIS ecosystem
- Limited standalone use without ArcGIS subscription
- Customization constrained by Esri's platform dependencies
Best For
GIS professionals and organizations embedded in the ArcGIS ecosystem needing geospatial field data collection.
Pricing
Free for basic publishing with ArcGIS Online account; full features require Creator user type (~$500/user/year) or bundled in ArcGIS subscriptions.
QField
specializedOpen-source mobile GIS app for viewing, editing, and synchronizing QGIS projects in the field.
Direct loading and editing of full QGIS projects on mobile without format conversion
QField is an open-source mobile GIS application for Android that enables users to deploy QGIS projects directly to the field for data collection, editing, and visualization. It excels in offline workflows, supporting vector layers, forms, GPS tracking, and raster imagery without internet access. Designed for geospatial professionals, it bridges desktop QGIS projects seamlessly to mobile devices for robust fieldwork applications.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QGIS projects for instant field deployment
- Full offline capabilities with GPS and form-based data entry
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with QGIS
- Primarily optimized for Android (iOS support is experimental)
- Limited to geospatial data collection, less flexible for general forms
Best For
GIS professionals and QGIS users performing offline fieldwork in remote areas requiring precise spatial data capture and editing.
Pricing
Core app is free and open-source; optional QFieldCloud for project syncing starts at €5/user/month.
GoCanvas
enterpriseDigital forms platform that replaces paper-based processes with mobile inspections and data capture.
Vast library of over 30,000 industry-specific templates ready for immediate use
GoCanvas is a no-code platform designed for creating and deploying mobile forms and apps tailored for field data collection. It allows businesses to digitize paper forms, enabling field workers to capture data, photos, signatures, GPS locations, and more, even offline with automatic syncing. The software includes workflow automation, reporting dashboards, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 30,000 pre-built templates for quick deployment
- Robust offline data collection with seamless syncing and multimedia support
- No-code drag-and-drop builder accessible to non-technical users
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive with multiple users and advanced features
- Advanced customizations and reporting may require additional support or time
- Mobile app interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Field service teams in construction, inspections, and maintenance needing rapid form digitization and offline capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $30/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $65/user/month (Unlimited), with Enterprise custom pricing.
ProntoForms
enterpriseMobile forms solution with workflow automation, GPS tracking, and real-time data synchronization.
Form-to-Action automation engine that triggers workflows and dispatches directly from form submissions
ProntoForms is a robust mobile forms platform tailored for field data collection, allowing users to build custom forms with features like GPS tracking, photo capture, signatures, and offline functionality. It excels in automating workflows by integrating collected data directly into back-office systems such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, and QuickBooks. The software streamlines field operations for industries like service, inspections, and construction by enabling real-time data sync and conditional logic in forms.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with enterprise apps for seamless data flow
- Strong offline mode and multimedia support for reliable field use
- Advanced automation and conditional logic for dynamic forms
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams without a robust free tier
- Initial setup and advanced customization have a learning curve
- Mobile app interface feels dated in some areas
Best For
Enterprise field service teams requiring deep integrations and automated workflows for complex data collection.
Pricing
Starts at $20/user/month for basic plans, scaling to custom enterprise pricing; billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
Trimble TerraFlex
enterpriseCloud-connected mobile GIS tool for high-accuracy data collection using GNSS receivers.
Native Trimble RTX correction services for centimeter-level GNSS accuracy without base stations
Trimble TerraFlex is a cloud-connected mobile GIS solution designed for high-accuracy field data collection using Trimble GNSS receivers and smartphones. It offers a drag-and-drop form builder for creating custom workflows, supports offline data capture with automatic syncing, and integrates seamlessly with platforms like ArcGIS Online and Trimble Connect. Ideal for geospatial professionals, it enables precise location-based data entry for applications in surveying, asset management, and environmental monitoring.
Pros
- Superior GNSS integration with Trimble hardware for sub-meter to centimeter accuracy
- Flexible form designer supporting complex data types and logic
- Robust offline capabilities and real-time cloud syncing with major GIS platforms
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users new to Trimble ecosystem
- Pricing escalates with advanced features and high-volume use
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer mobile-first apps
Best For
GIS technicians, surveyors, and field teams in utilities or construction needing precise, hardware-integrated data collection.
Pricing
Freemium with paid tiers starting at $29/user/month for Pro features; enterprise plans custom with hardware bundles.
EpiCollect5
otherFree web and mobile platform for rapid design and deployment of structured field data collection projects.
Fully hosted real-time mapping of geotagged field data without any setup or server management
EpiCollect5 is a free, web-based platform developed by Imperial College London for designing and deploying mobile data collection projects, particularly suited for epidemiology, ecology, and citizen science. Users create customizable forms with support for text, GPS, photos, and multimedia, which respondents fill out via smartphone web browsers without needing a dedicated app. Data is automatically geotagged, stored in the cloud, and visualized on interactive maps with export options to CSV and other formats.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited projects and data storage
- Automatic GPS geotagging and real-time interactive mapping
- No app installation required; works in mobile browsers
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern tools
- Limited advanced branching logic and form validation options
- Dependency on project owner's hosting and potential data export limitations for very large datasets
Best For
Citizen scientists, academic researchers, and small NGOs needing a no-cost solution for GPS-enabled field surveys.
Pricing
Entirely free with no paid tiers or usage limits.
Conclusion
The reviewed field data collection software showcase diverse strengths, with ArcGIS Field Maps leading as the top pick due to its robust GIS capabilities and reliable offline support. Fulcrum shines with its user-friendly form-building and broad usability, while KoBoToolbox impresses with open-source flexibility, making it a strong choice for varied project needs. Together, they cater to different workflows, ensuring efficient, accurate data capture across various settings.
Elevate your field operations—dive into ArcGIS Field Maps to experience seamless, high-accuracy data collection that adapts to your unique requirements, whether in remote locations or complex tasks.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison