{
  "id": "qfield-vs-arcgis-survey123",
  "ids": [
    "qfield",
    "arcgis-survey123"
  ],
  "title": "QField vs ArcGIS Survey123: mobile field maps and geospatial data collection",
  "heading": "QField vs ArcGIS Survey123",
  "kicker": "GIS and analysis software comparison",
  "deck": "QField carries QGIS projects into mobile GIS work; Survey123 centres on structured surveys in ArcGIS. The deciding issue is whether the task starts with a map project or a controlled questionnaire, alongside the existing data platform and offline requirements.",
  "description": "Compare QField vs ArcGIS Survey123 for mobile field maps and geospatial data collection.",
  "answerHeading": "Which option fits the requirement?",
  "answer": "QField carries QGIS projects into mobile GIS work; Survey123 centres on structured surveys in ArcGIS. The deciding issue is whether the task starts with a map project or a controlled questionnaire, alongside the existing data platform and offline requirements.",
  "checkedAt": "2026-10-25",
  "researchTag": "Deployment, compatibility and cost scope",
  "researchLimit": "Official product material reviewed. Acceptance checks are proposed exercises, not completed product trials, performance measurements or reliability guarantees.",
  "datasetDescription": "Seven technical differences and four proposed acceptance checks for QField vs ArcGIS Survey123.",
  "type": "workflow-buying",
  "sharedBuyingNeed": "Evaluate alternative approaches to mobile field maps and geospatial data collection.",
  "rows": [
    [
      "Primary collection model",
      "QGIS project-based field work",
      "Structured form-based collection"
    ],
    [
      "Application environment",
      "Open-source mobile GIS app",
      "ArcGIS survey apps and form design"
    ],
    [
      "Configuration",
      "Prepared QGIS project and layers",
      "Survey forms, rules and geographic questions"
    ],
    [
      "Offline boundary",
      "Test project packaging and synchronisation choices",
      "Confirm the selected form and device offline behaviour"
    ],
    [
      "Data handover",
      "QGIS-oriented data and optional connected services",
      "Survey records in the ArcGIS environment"
    ],
    [
      "Evaluation focus",
      "Project compatibility, form behaviour and sync setup",
      "Question logic, attachments, validation and data export"
    ],
    [
      "Cost components",
      "Devices, deployment, support and optional hosting",
      "Eligible ArcGIS access, services, devices and support"
    ]
  ],
  "scenarios": [
    {
      "name": "Collection pattern",
      "question": "Can the team configure a copied task with a location, required attributes and an attachment?",
      "left": "With QField, configure a copied task with a location, required attributes and an attachment.",
      "right": "With ArcGIS Survey123, configure a copied task with a location, required attributes and an attachment.",
      "note": "The intended worker can complete the task without missing required information."
    },
    {
      "name": "Offline recovery",
      "question": "Can the team create authorised sample records offline and reconnect through a test workflow?",
      "left": "With QField, create authorised sample records offline and reconnect through a test workflow.",
      "right": "With ArcGIS Survey123, create authorised sample records offline and reconnect through a test workflow.",
      "note": "Records and attachments arrive without unexplained loss or duplication."
    },
    {
      "name": "Shared editing",
      "question": "Can the team have two test users update a copied feature and review the result?",
      "left": "With QField, have two test users update a copied feature and review the result.",
      "right": "With ArcGIS Survey123, have two test users update a copied feature and review the result.",
      "note": "The selected synchronisation and conflict process is understood."
    },
    {
      "name": "Data handover",
      "question": "Can the team export or reopen collected records in the intended destination?",
      "left": "With QField, export or reopen collected records in the intended destination.",
      "right": "With ArcGIS Survey123, export or reopen collected records in the intended destination.",
      "note": "Identifiers, coordinate context and attributes remain usable."
    }
  ],
  "exampleTable": {
    "caption": "Proposed checks using authorised copies of representative datasets, projects or models. Record software versions, required licences, dependencies, configuration and observed results.",
    "headers": [
      "Requirement",
      "Proposed exercise",
      "Accept when"
    ],
    "rows": [
      [
        "Collection pattern",
        "Configure a copied task with a location, required attributes and an attachment.",
        "The intended worker can complete the task without missing required information."
      ],
      [
        "Offline recovery",
        "Create authorised sample records offline and reconnect through a test workflow.",
        "Records and attachments arrive without unexplained loss or duplication."
      ],
      [
        "Shared editing",
        "Have two test users update a copied feature and review the result.",
        "The selected synchronisation and conflict process is understood."
      ],
      [
        "Data handover",
        "Export or reopen collected records in the intended destination.",
        "Identifiers, coordinate context and attributes remain usable."
      ]
    ]
  },
  "sections": [
    {
      "id": "scope-and-architecture",
      "navLabel": "Architecture",
      "title": "Scope and architecture",
      "paragraphs": [
        "QField carries QGIS projects into mobile GIS work; Survey123 centres on structured surveys in ArcGIS. The deciding issue is whether the task starts with a map project or a controlled questionnaire, alongside the existing data platform and offline requirements.",
        "Map editing, structured surveys and rapid observations are different collection patterns. Confirm devices, positioning requirements, attachments, offline packages and sync conflict handling. A mobile app does not itself establish location accuracy or permission to collect a dataset."
      ],
      "links": [
        {
          "url": "https://qfield.org/",
          "label": "QField product information"
        },
        {
          "url": "https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-survey123/overview",
          "label": "ArcGIS Survey123 product information"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "cost-and-migration",
      "navLabel": "Costs & migration",
      "title": "Cost and migration planning",
      "paragraphs": [
        "For QField, include devices, deployment, support and optional hosting. For ArcGIS Survey123, include eligible ArcGIS access, services, devices and support. Define the same task, inputs, required outputs and operating environment, then confirm current terms for the actual software configuration.",
        "Use test devices and authorised sample data. Create records offline, reconnect, review conflicts and verify attachments and identifiers in the destination system. Document collection permissions, device support and the handling of sensitive location information."
      ]
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "question": "How should we choose between QField and ArcGIS Survey123?",
      "answer": "QField carries QGIS projects into mobile GIS work; Survey123 centres on structured surveys in ArcGIS. The deciding issue is whether the task starts with a map project or a controlled questionnaire, alongside the existing data platform and offline requirements."
    },
    {
      "question": "Which costs belong in the comparison?",
      "answer": "For QField, include devices, deployment, support and optional hosting. For ArcGIS Survey123, include eligible ArcGIS access, services, devices and support. Define the same task, inputs, required outputs and operating environment, then confirm current terms for the actual software configuration."
    },
    {
      "question": "What should we validate before a production move?",
      "answer": "Use test devices and authorised sample data. Create records offline, reconnect, review conflicts and verify attachments and identifiers in the destination system. Document collection permissions, device support and the handling of sensitive location information."
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "url": "https://qfield.org/",
      "facts": "Official product scope, deployment and integration context used for mobile field maps and geospatial data collection."
    },
    {
      "url": "https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-survey123/overview",
      "facts": "Official product scope, deployment and integration context used for mobile field maps and geospatial data collection."
    }
  ],
  "relatedLinks": [
    {
      "path": "/categories/gis-geospatial/",
      "title": "Gis Geospatial software"
    },
    {
      "path": "/guides/software-buying-checklist/",
      "title": "Software buying checklist"
    }
  ]
}