Compare software

Field Survey vs SMASH: catalog facts
Field SurveySMASH

Best for: Researchers and volunteers collecting structured observations in the field

Best for: Field workers collecting geospatial survey data on a phone

Free

Free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence, with optional donations.

Free

Free and open source under GPL-3.0.

Android, iOS Android, iOS
  • Custom survey templates for almost any field work
  • Automatic timestamps, GPS and photos per record
All 4 strengths for Field Survey
  • Custom survey templates for almost any field work
  • Automatic timestamps, GPS and photos per record
  • Exports to a spreadsheet
  • No account or cloud needed
  • Collects georeferenced notes, photos and GPS tracks
  • Supports form-based surveys and raster or vector maps
All 3 strengths for SMASH
  • Collects georeferenced notes, photos and GPS tracks
  • Supports form-based surveys and raster or vector maps
  • Edits and queries GeoPackage layers
  • Templates take some setup before the first survey
  • Data stays on one device unless exported
  • Designed for field mapping and survey data collection
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0 License: GPL-3.0
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline
Sources for Field Survey

Catalog checked October 2, 2026

Sources for SMASH

Catalog checked October 8, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.