Esri has a number of apps you can use to collect data in the field. They all offer a form to fill in and all connect to ArcGIS.
The following table shows a comparison of functionality among ArcGIS Survey123, ArcGIS Collector, and GeoForm.
| Functionality | Survey123 | Collector | GeoForm |
|---|---|---|---|
Data collection style | Formcentric | Mapcentric | Formcentric |
Supports capture of new data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Supports editing existing data | Yes | Yes | No |
Smart forms | Yes (XLSForm) | No | No |
Works offline | Yes | Yes | No |
Supports external GNSS receivers | Yes | Yes | No |
Supports integration with Spike | Yes | No | No |
Supports anonymous access | Yes | No | Yes |
Platforms | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Web | iOS, Android, Windows | Web |
Technical Support | Esri and the community | Esri and the community | Esri and the community |
The following expands on some of the key concepts described in this table.
Formcentric data collection
Survey123 and GeoForm are formcentric data collection apps. The focus is a list of questions—that is, the form. With Survey123 and GeoForm, you can capture geographic information (points), but geo is just another question in the questionnaire, not the focus. That's why they're called form-centric. ArcGIS Collector is a mapcentric app: it opens maps that you can use to capture information.
Smart forms
Survey123 uses the xForms specification to bring forms to life. ArcGIS Collector and GeoForm allow you to edit attributes, but the rules you can apply to a form are clear (choice lists and basic question types). Skipping questions, applying expressions to precalculate and validate responses, presenting the form in different languages, capturing signatures, and much more, are some of the unique smart-form features in Survey123.
Anonymous access
Survey123, Collector and GeoForm use your ArcGIS identity (organizational account) to securely access your data and provide a tailored experience. The use of organizational accounts also assists with quality control, helping you to understand who submits data and when. GeoForm and Survey123, in addition, also have the option of anonymous access. This means that people without an ArcGIS identity can submit data. This is particularly useful for crowd-sourcing scenarios.