# Direction explorer — Compass and maps together

> Compass and map tool for identifying and locating targets with distance estimation. (iPhone/iPad app by Stefano Rampazzo.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direction-explorer/id1665620873 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Stefano Rampazzo](https://appshunter.io/developer/396660919)
- Category: Travel, Reference
- Price: $1.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 31 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-01-21
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direction-explorer/id1665620873/reviews.md

## What is Direction explorer?

DirectionExplorer combines a compass tool with Apple Maps by Apple to help you identify targets (villages, buildings, mountains, and more) appearing in your view.
DirectionExplorer uses GPS to determine the observer's location and, using compass information, draws a line on the map in the same direction the iPhone is pointing. 
The heading line includes distance marks, allowing you to better estimate distances directly on the map.
You can freeze the origin point and direction line to study the map in detail later. You can also determine the length of the heading line (in miles or km) to better estimate your field of view. The horizon distance can be automatically calculated based on the site's altitude.
The point of origin can be entered manually by tapping the map.
To help you find desired targets more easily, you can insert colored pins above the map. Pins can be set by tapping on the map or by entering place names. Tapping on a pin or on a mountain displays an information box with detailed data about the selected target and these data can be easily shared.
From an offline list of mountains, you can choose which peaks to display on the map. 
The information box also suggests possible obstacles (based on the offline mountain database) that may lie between you and the selected target.
For best results, hold the iPhone horizontally and aim accurately. 
It is also important to periodically check the compass calibration and follow the on-screen calibration instructions.

## Key features

- Compass overlay on Apple Maps
- GPS-based direction line with distance marks
- Freeze origin point and direction line
- Manual origin point entry
- Colored pins for target identification
- Detailed information boxes for targets
- Offline mountain database

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direction-explorer/id1665620873/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Stupenda e essenziale

*2024-09-06*

È l’app che cercavo da tempo… faccio anche l’antennista per lavoro e spesso mi trovo in difficoltà a trovare la posizione dei ripetitori.
Grazie Stefano
Paolo C.

## Frequently asked questions about Direction explorer

### What is Direction explorer?

Direction explorer combines a compass with Apple Maps to help you identify and locate targets like villages or mountains in your view. It uses GPS and compass information to draw a line on the map indicating your direction and distance to these targets.

### How does Direction explorer help with navigation?

Direction explorer draws a heading line on Apple Maps that aligns with your iPhone's direction, including distance marks. This allows you to estimate distances to identified targets directly on the map and better understand your field of view.

### Can I use Direction explorer offline?

While the app uses Apple Maps, it includes an offline list of mountains that can be displayed on the map. You can also manually enter origin points and set pins for later reference, which can be useful in areas with limited connectivity.

### What kind of information does Direction explorer provide about targets?

When you tap on a pin or a target like a mountain, Direction explorer displays an information box with detailed data. This box can also suggest potential obstacles between you and the selected target, based on its offline mountain database.

### How accurate is Direction explorer?

For best results, it is recommended to hold the iPhone horizontally and aim accurately. Periodically checking and following the on-screen compass calibration instructions is also important for optimal performance.

### What devices is Direction explorer compatible with?

Direction explorer is available for iPhone and iPad. It requires iOS 15.0 or later and was last updated on February 25, 2026.

### What is the price of Direction explorer?

Direction explorer is a paid application, priced at $1.99. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned for this app.

### What is the age rating for Direction explorer?

Direction explorer has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It was released on January 21, 2023.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2026-02-25

Distance marks in the heading line
Info box of pins and mountains
Sharing info box data
Obstacles on the line of sight
Comsmetic adjustment
Fixed minor bugs

### 1.1 — 2023-09-22

In this version a database containing the mountains (name, position and altitude) of all countries has been added.
In this way it is now possible to view a list of the mountains included in the target area and choose the peaks to highlight on the map.

### 1.0 — 2023-01-21

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Direction explorer

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Hikers View](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hikers-view/id6736524307) | — | Free | Travel |
| [GPS Trail Map](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gps-trail-map/id1540707573) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Travel |
| [Where am I? - Ansib](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/where-am-i-ansib/id6497955319) | — | Free | Travel |
| [Directions](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directions/id1580605231) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Travel |

## More apps by Stefano Rampazzo

- [ForwardContact](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forwardcontact/id396660916)
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All apps by Stefano Rampazzo: https://appshunter.io/developer/396660919

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*