FieldGenius vs. FieldGenius Legacy: Which Version Fits Your Workflow in 2025?

The software you choose plays a massive role in the daily efficiency of surveyors. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between MicroSurvey FieldGenius Windows (Legacy) and the newer FieldGenius platform. We hope that our guide helps you decide which version suits your workflow best.

What Is FieldGenius?
FieldGenius Legacy: How It Delivers
New FieldGenius: Built for 2025
Bench-Mark’s Recommendation in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is FieldGenius?

FieldGenius is MicroSurvey’s powerful field software that is used for survey data collection and instrument control. Civil engineers, land surveyors, and construction crews trust FieldGenius because it performs perfectly in real time and is widely compatible across devices.

There are currently two versions of FieldGenius in circulation:

• FieldGenius Legacy (also called FieldGenius Windows)
• FieldGenius (the new cross-platform version for Android, Windows, and more)

Let’s compare both of them!

FieldGenius Legacy: How It Delivers

• Platform: Windows CE/Windows 10, 11
• Release Date: Over a decade of development
• Compatible With: Hemisphere S631, Zoom95, most total stations and GNSS units

Key Features of FieldGenius Legacy

Legacy is still a favourite among experienced surveyors. Here is why:

• Lots of features. After more than 10 years of development, it has an incredibly deep set of tools for GNSS and total station work.
• Proven workflow. If you’re familiar with traditional data collection on Windows tablets or collectors, FieldGenius Legacy can get you reliable experience.
• Localization tools. In our testing, Legacy still handles complex localizations better than the new version. It is especially noticeable in multi-day RTK setups.

FieldGenius Legacy Limitations

It also has its drawbacks. It still runs on older Windows platforms, like Windows CE, which Microsoft no longer supports. More field teams shift toward Android and lightweight tablets. It’s getting harder to find modern hardware that plays nicely with full Windows-based setups. 

MicroSurvey has made it clear that all new development is focused on the newer version of FieldGenius. Legacy is still available, but it’s gradually becoming obsolete. That means fewer updates, reduced support, and eventually, no bug fixes. If you want something for long-term, this may not be the option for you.

New FieldGenius: Built for 2025

Platform: Android + Cross-Platform (Linux, Windows, iOS coming)

Designed For: Touch devices, modern tablets, new workflows

Brand Name: MicroSurvey’s FieldGenius (new branding)

Key Features Of FieldGenius

• Modern interface. The new FieldGenius is rebuilt from the ground up for touch. Clean layout, big buttons, and intuitive gestures make it easier for crews to learn.
• Cross-platform support. Use it on Android, Windows, and more. Perfect for mixed-device teams.
• Cloud sync and backup. Coming soon or in beta, project sync between tablet and office.
• Futureproof. This is MicroSurvey’s new flagship product. All major updates and new features are focused here.

Where It Misses

• Missing legacy features. The new FieldGenius still lacks some of the deep tools and advanced workflows available in the Windows version.
• Localization absence. Complex localization projects (like those used in civil engineering or large construction sites) are still better handled in Legacy.
• Different workflow. If you’re used to FieldGenius Legacy, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Some of the common terms and steps have changed.

Bench-Mark’s Recommendation in 2025

Here is our advice based on the specs and real-world performance:

Choose FieldGenius Legacy If:

• You’re managing long-term RTK projects using Local Transformations or multi-day base setups.
• You rely on advanced total station workflows.
• Your field team uses rugged Windows tablets like the Mesa 2 or Mesa 3.
• You’re mid-project and don’t want to switch software midstream.

Choose FieldGenius (New Version) If:

• You’re using Android tablets or phones in the field.
• You want a more modern interface
• You’re starting a new GNSS-based project and don’t need advanced localization.
• You want to futureproof your workflow, especially as Windows CE fades away.

We still ship FieldGenius Legacy on many of our RTK kits, especially for clients doing land development, civil surveying, and engineering layouts. But for smaller construction sites, site staking, or topographic surveys where simplicity matters, the new FieldGenius is going to work brilliantly. In 2025, there’s still room for both and the choice depends on your workflow, hardware, and project type.

Frequently Asked Questions