Atlas vs Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps extends QGIS into the field by syncing projects to mobile devices for data collection. Atlas is a browser-based collaborative mapping platform that handles everything from data upload to published map apps—without requiring QGIS or any desktop software. Both tools support field data collection, but they approach it from very different directions. Here is the full breakdown.

Introducing Atlas and Mergin Maps

Atlas

Atlas is a cloud-native GIS platform where teams upload spatial data, build interactive maps, run spatial analysis, and create no-code apps with forms, filters, and dashboards. Everything happens in the browser, and sharing is as simple as sending a link. It is designed for mixed teams where not everyone is a GIS specialist.

Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps is a field data collection system built on top of QGIS. You design your project in QGIS Desktop, sync it to the Mergin cloud, and field teams use the Mergin Maps mobile app (formerly Input) to collect and edit data offline. Changes sync back to QGIS when connectivity returns. It is designed for organizations already invested in the QGIS ecosystem.

Quick Comparison Table

Field Data Collection

Atlas

Atlas supports field data collection through browser-based forms linked to map layers. Field teams open a map app on their phone or tablet, tap the map to set a location, fill in a form, and submit. Data appears on the map immediately for everyone on the team. Atlas also supports offline mode—field crews can capture data without connectivity and it syncs automatically when they reconnect.

Pros:

• No app installation required—works in any mobile browser
• Offline mode for areas without connectivity, with auto-sync
• Data is immediately visible to the whole team once synced
• Forms are configured in the same platform as the map
• Non-technical users can submit data without training

Cons:

• Mobile browser experience can be less polished than a native app
• Does not support QGIS-style sketching or advanced form widgets

Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps provides a dedicated mobile app optimized for field work. You design forms in QGIS using attribute configurations, sync the project to Mergin, and field workers collect data offline with GPS positioning, photos, and sketches. When back online, changes sync and merge automatically, handling conflicts with versioning.

Pros:

• Full offline support with automatic sync
• Native mobile app with GPS, camera, and sketching tools
• Conflict resolution and versioning for concurrent edits
• Leverages QGIS form configuration for complex data entry

Cons:

• Requires QGIS Desktop to design and manage projects
• Field workers must install the Mergin Maps mobile app
• Data is not visible to others until sync completes
• Setup is more complex than browser-based alternatives

Which to Choose?

Choose Atlas when you want the simplest possible setup with offline support and no app installs. Choose Mergin Maps when you need QGIS project compatibility and native mobile sketching tools.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Access

Atlas

Atlas treats collaboration as a first-class feature. Multiple people edit the same map simultaneously in the browser. Comments can be pinned to specific features. Maps are shared via link—viewers do not need accounts, software, or GIS knowledge. Embeds drop into websites, dashboards, and reports.

Pros:

• Real-time co-editing on the same map
• Share live maps with anyone via URL
• Embeddable maps for websites and portals
• No software installation for viewers

Cons:

• Collaboration is tied to the Atlas platform

Mergin Maps

Collaboration in Mergin Maps is sync-based. Field workers collect data independently and changes merge when they reconnect. Project managers review data in QGIS Desktop. Sharing the results with non-QGIS users requires exporting to another format or publishing through a separate web mapping tool.

Pros:

• Sync-based model works well for distributed field teams
• Version history and conflict resolution
• Seamless integration with QGIS for advanced users

Cons:

• No real-time co-editing; changes merge asynchronously
• Non-QGIS users cannot view or interact with project data directly
• Sharing with stakeholders requires exporting or using additional tools
• No embeddable web maps

Which to Choose?

Choose Atlas when stakeholders, managers, and field teams all need access to the same live map in a browser. Choose Mergin Maps when field workers operate independently and a QGIS specialist processes the collected data.

Map Building and Visualization

Atlas

Atlas is a full map-building platform. You style layers with colors, labels, popups, and clustering. You choose basemaps, configure layer visibility, and add interactive elements. The result is a polished, shareable web map or app—without writing code or using desktop software.

Pros:

• Visual map builder with rich styling options
• No-code app builder adds filters, forms, and dashboards
• Maps look professional and are ready to share
• Basemap options and layer blend modes built in

Cons:

• Styling is limited to the platform's options (no custom SLD or QML)
• Advanced cartography may require a desktop GIS

Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps does not include a map viewer or builder. Visualization happens in QGIS Desktop, where you have access to the full power of QGIS styling—rule-based symbology, print layouts, atlas generation, and hundreds of rendering options. However, these maps are desktop-only unless you export them or publish through another service.

Pros:

• Access to QGIS's full cartographic engine
• Print-quality map layouts and atlas generation
• Rule-based symbology for complex styling requirements

Cons:

• No web map viewer or builder
• Maps are desktop-only unless exported or published elsewhere
• Sharing styled maps requires additional tools and steps

Which to Choose?

Choose Atlas when you need web-ready interactive maps that anyone can view. Choose Mergin Maps when you need QGIS's advanced cartography for print or desktop use.

Spatial Analysis

Atlas

Atlas includes built-in spatial analysis tools: buffers, isochrones, heatmaps, spatial joins, attribute filtering, and geocoding. These run in the browser and results appear on the map instantly. The tools are accessible to anyone on the team, not just GIS specialists.

Pros:

• Point-and-click spatial analysis in the browser
• Results visualize instantly on the map
• Accessible to non-technical team members

Cons:

• Limited to the analysis tools the platform provides
• Not suited for complex geoprocessing chains

Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps itself does not perform spatial analysis. All analysis happens in QGIS Desktop, which offers hundreds of geoprocessing tools, Python scripting via PyQGIS, and access to the full QGIS processing toolbox including GRASS and SAGA algorithms.

Pros:

• Full QGIS processing toolbox available
• Python scripting for custom analysis
• Hundreds of algorithms including raster analysis

Cons:

• Requires QGIS Desktop and GIS expertise
• Analysis is not available in the mobile app or web
• Results must be synced or exported to share

Which to Choose?

Choose Atlas for quick, accessible spatial analysis that the whole team can use. Choose Mergin Maps (with QGIS) when you need the depth of a full desktop GIS processing environment.

Pricing and Getting Started

Atlas

Atlas offers a free tier with core features including mapping, collaboration, and sharing. Paid plans unlock additional storage, private maps, and advanced features. Getting started takes seconds—sign up in a browser and start mapping.

Pros:

• Free tier with real functionality
• No software to install
• Start mapping in under a minute

Cons:

• Advanced features on paid plans

Mergin Maps

Mergin Maps has a free tier with limited storage and users. Paid plans increase storage and team size. However, getting started also requires QGIS Desktop (free, open-source) for project setup, and the Mergin Maps mobile app for field collection—more moving parts than a browser-only solution.

Pros:

• Free tier available
• QGIS itself is free and open-source
• Low cost for small teams

Cons:

• Requires installing QGIS Desktop and the mobile app
• Setup involves multiple tools and configuration steps
• QGIS learning curve for project design

Which to Choose?

Choose Atlas when you want the fastest path to a working map with zero installations. Choose Mergin Maps when you already use QGIS and want to extend it to the field at minimal cost.

Final Thoughts

Atlas and Mergin Maps take opposite approaches to the same problem. Mergin Maps starts in QGIS and pushes projects to the field; Atlas starts in the browser and brings the field back to the team. The right choice depends on your existing tools, your connectivity situation, and who needs to see the data.

Choose Atlas if you:

• Want a browser-only platform with no desktop software required
• Need real-time collaboration where everyone sees the same map
• Need offline data collection that syncs automatically
• Need to share interactive maps with non-GIS stakeholders
• Want no-code apps with forms, filters, and dashboards

Choose Mergin Maps if you:

• Already use QGIS and want to extend it to field data collection
• Need offline data collection in areas without connectivity
• Want a native mobile app with GPS, camera, and sketching
• Have GIS specialists who manage projects in QGIS Desktop
• Need advanced cartography and analysis through QGIS

For a feature checklist and FAQs, see the Mergin Maps alternative page.