Geocadra vs QGIS
Field collection that complements your GIS
TL;DR
QGIS is excellent for analysis and cartography. Geocadra is excellent for mobile field collection. Use both—collect with Geocadra, analyze with QGIS.
QGIS is a powerful desktop GIS that we genuinely respect. But it wasn't designed for mobile field collection—that's not its strength. Geocadra handles the field work with a proper mobile app, offline mode, and intuitive forms. Export to QGIS for the analysis and cartography it does best.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Geocadra | QGIS |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-client management | ||
| Unlimited users | ||
| GPS mapping | Limited | |
| Custom forms | ||
| Photo attachments | ||
| Offline mode | ||
| Native mobile app | ||
| Data export | ||
| No GIS expertise needed | ||
| Cloud-based |
Why Teams Switch to Geocadra
Native Mobile App
QGIS is desktop software. To get mobile collection, you need QField or Mergin Maps—both of which require configuring QGIS projects, understanding layer management, and deploying project files to devices. The mobile experience, while improving, still feels like a GIS tool adapted for phones rather than a mobile-first application. Geocadra's mobile apps were designed for field conditions from day one. iOS and Android apps with touch-optimized interfaces, large tap targets, natural vertical scrolling. Your field workers don't need to understand GIS—they just need to fill out forms and take photos. The app feels like a modern mobile tool because that's exactly what it is.
Multi-Client Management
QGIS handles projects and data—it has no concept of client management, organizational structure, or multi-tenant data separation. If you're a contractor serving multiple clients, QGIS treats all your data the same way. Keeping client data properly separated requires manual discipline and folder organization. Geocadra was built specifically for contractors with multiple clients. Each client gets a separate workspace with complete data isolation, custom branding options, and granular permissions. Generate reports with client-specific branding, manage user access per client, switch between clients with a click. It's business infrastructure that QGIS was never designed to provide.
Minutes to Productivity
Getting a field worker productive with QGIS-based mobile collection isn't trivial. They need to understand opening projects, navigating layers, understanding feature selection, attribute editing, and sync procedures. Even with simplified mobile interfaces, GIS concepts leak through. Training realistically takes days, and you'll still get support questions about layer visibility and sync conflicts. Geocadra training typically takes under an hour. Often, no formal training is needed—field workers download the app, open the project, and start collecting. The interface is intuitive enough that most people figure it out. When questions arise, they're about business processes, not software mechanics.
Direct QGIS Export
Choosing Geocadra for collection doesn't mean abandoning QGIS for analysis. Export Geocadra data to GeoPackage, Shapefile, or GeoJSON—all native QGIS formats that import without conversion. Collect data simply in the field, perform sophisticated analysis in QGIS when you're back at your desk. You get the best of both worlds: mobile simplicity and desktop analytical power.
Common Frustrations
Based on user reviews and community feedback
Not designed for mobile collection
QGIS is desktop software through and through. Mobile options exist but require QGIS project setup and maintain desktop GIS paradigms that feel awkward on phones.
Steep learning curve
Even simplified mobile interfaces assume users understand layers, features, attributes, and GIS project structures. Non-GIS field workers struggle with concepts they'll never use elsewhere.
Complex project setup
Getting from 'I want to collect data' to actually collecting data requires significant QGIS project configuration—layer setup, form design, offline preparation. Expertise or consulting required.
Ongoing project maintenance
QGIS updates, plugin compatibility, project file management—someone needs to maintain the infrastructure. It's not set-and-forget.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Geocadra if you...
- Need mobile field collection without GIS training
- Want to manage multiple client projects
- Prefer cloud-based project management
- Value quick deployment over GIS customization
Choose QGIS if you...
- Need advanced GIS analysis and cartography
- Have expert QGIS users on staff
- Want free open-source software
Pricing Comparison
QGIS is free, but the time investment for field collection is significant.
Geocadra
From €49/seat/month
- Free viewers included
- 20% annual discount
- All features included
QGIS
Free (open source)
- Significant setup time required
- Training costs for field staff
- Plugin management and configuration
Switching is Easy
Geocadra and QGIS are complementary tools, not competitors. Many organizations use both to their respective strengths. Collect data in Geocadra's simple mobile interface—no GIS knowledge required—then export to GeoPackage, Shapefile, or GeoJSON for QGIS analysis and professional cartography. This hybrid approach lets field workers focus on collection while GIS analysts work in their preferred environment. If you have existing QGIS data, export to GeoPackage and import into Geocadra for ongoing mobile collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Geocadra replace QGIS?
No—and it's not trying to. QGIS is excellent at desktop GIS analysis and cartography. Geocadra is excellent at mobile field collection. They serve different purposes and work great together. Collect with Geocadra's simple mobile interface, export to QGIS for advanced analysis. You get simplicity in the field and power at the desk.
Can I export to QGIS formats?
Yes. Export to GeoPackage, Shapefile, or GeoJSON—all native QGIS formats that import directly without any conversion. Your spatial data, attributes, and timestamps transfer cleanly. Many teams export weekly or at project completion for QGIS analysis.
But QGIS is free—why pay for Geocadra?
QGIS is excellent free software—for desktop GIS work. But 'free' QGIS for mobile collection means: learning QGIS, configuring projects, setting up mobile deployment, training field staff, and ongoing maintenance. Calculate your team's hourly costs and estimate the hours needed. For most teams, Geocadra's subscription is a fraction of the time cost of QGIS-based mobile collection—and your team is productive immediately rather than after weeks of setup.
How does Geocadra compare to QField?
QField is a solid mobile companion for QGIS—if you're already a QGIS expert. It requires QGIS project configuration, assumes GIS knowledge, and follows QGIS workflows. For QGIS power users, it's a natural fit. For teams without GIS expertise, Geocadra is dramatically simpler: no QGIS required, no project configuration, no GIS concepts to learn. Different tools for different situations.
Can I use both Geocadra and QGIS?
Absolutely—many teams do. Geocadra handles simple, efficient field collection. QGIS handles sophisticated analysis and cartography. Field workers use Geocadra; GIS analysts use QGIS with exported data. This separation lets each group focus on their strengths without one holding back the other.
Also Comparing?
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