# Map Calipers

> Mapping toolkit for location tracking and transit analysis. (iPhone/iPad app by Joshua Spicer.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-calipers/id6746725018 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Joshua Spicer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1602007517)
- Category: Entertainment, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 12 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2025-08-07
- Data updated: 2026-07-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-calipers/id6746725018/reviews.md

## What is Map Calipers?

MapCalipers is a flexible mapping toolkit (built primarily to help you defeat your friends in "Jet Lag: The Game", a Hide and Seek Transit Game!)

The iOS app helps you pinpoint your target’s location within defined boundaries, steadily shrinking the search area using interactive tools like “Radar” and “Thermometer”. Leveraging standard GTFS data, the app overlays precise transit lines and stops onto your play area. Use the built-in analysis features to determine which routes and stops your target might be hiding at, then use the dynamic mapping tools to track them down!

Using GTFS transit data is optional. Note that GTFS data may not be available for all cities and requires prior server-side setup.  See the linked blog post at https://joshspicer.com/mapcalipers#self-hosting for more info and for self-hosting instructions.

** Please email me your city's GTFS info if you'd like me to put it on the default sync server for all to enjoy! **

This app is not affiliated with "Jet Lag: The Game Hide and Seek Transit Game" on Nebula.tv and YouTube.

## Key features

- Location pinpointing within boundaries
- Interactive 'Radar' and 'Thermometer' tools
- GTFS transit data overlay
- Route and stop analysis
- Dynamic mapping tools
- Self-hosting GTFS data option


## Frequently asked questions about Map Calipers

### What is Map Calipers used for?

Map Calipers is a mapping toolkit designed to help users pinpoint locations within defined boundaries and analyze transit data. It's particularly useful for location-based games like 'Jet Lag: The Game'.

### Does Map Calipers require an internet connection?

While the app can leverage GTFS transit data, which may require server-side setup and an internet connection, the core mapping and tracking tools can function without it. GTFS data usage is optional.

### Is Map Calipers free to use?

Yes, Map Calipers is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with its use.

### What devices does Map Calipers support?

Map Calipers is available on Apple devices, including the Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad.

### How often is Map Calipers updated?

The latest version of Map Calipers is 1.9, and it was last updated on April 28, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support.

### What is the age rating for Map Calipers?

Map Calipers has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Can I use my own GTFS data with Map Calipers?

Yes, you can use your own GTFS data. The app provides instructions for self-hosting GTFS data, allowing for personalized transit information integration.

### Does Map Calipers have ads?

No, Map Calipers does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free application.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9 — 2026-04-28

- Performance: Several performance improvements aimed at making transit rendering more performant in cities with large networks
- Feature:  Transit (GTFS) data can now be imported directly from a local zip file, or directly from a remote URL - no need to set up a custom docker server!
- Feature: GTFS Editor is linked from the app and lets you create custom MapCalipers-compatible transit maps
- Experiments: Polyline zoom threshold is available under Experiments → Performance and allows changing when transit data is hidden on zoom out (a performance heavy operation)
- Feature: GTFS feed manager to enable multiple feeds at a time. Additionally, a filter can be applied to filter routes/stops from a given feed.

### 1.8 — 2026-03-17

Thanks for using Calipers! Please send your feedback, feature requests, or stories via the button in app settings. I love seeing how fans use this app around the world!

If you're enjoying the app, please rate it 5 stars

CHANGES

- Adds Google Maps-esque distance measuring tool
- Auto infers city center from GTFS data (better experience for those self-hosting custom cities!)
- On app relaunch, automatically recenter to the center of the play area

### 1.7 — 2026-03-15

Thank you for all the feedback! If you have feedback on the app, please use the 'Send Feedback' button in settings.  

If you find the app useful, please rate it 5 stars!

Fixes and Improvements

- Thermometer tool algorithm tweaks (Thanks Attila!)
- Removed 'backup' algorithm for thermometer that was potentially less precise
- Added a 'center to my location' button
- Added a 'temporarily hide transit' button
- Support using raw coordinates to place tools (Thanks Tobias!)
- Support (best effort) from other mapping apps beyond Google Maps (e.g Apple Maps)
- Add 'Vienna' to the sync server (Thanks Matteo!)
- In-app link to the admin panel for a self-hosted server (when configured)

TIP: When pasting coordinates, try not to select a business (which won't have the coordinates embedded in the URL). Try to instead select a random point on the map (or now, copy the coordinates directly).

### 1.6 — 2026-02-04

- Relax constraint on radars sizes

### 1.5 — 2026-01-26

- Fixes restoring from an existing session in the welcome view
- Fixes polygon map recentering after each point is set
- Fixes overlays hiding each time changes are synced from the server

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## More apps by Joshua Spicer

- [Pi ContrHOLE (Pi-Hole Remote)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pi-contrhole-pi-hole-remote/id1507963158)
- [Daily Word (Language Widget)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/daily-word-language-widget/id1535573526)
- [Bunny Bunch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bunny-bunch/id6739154162)
- [HabitBridge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/habitbridge/id6742713867)
- [Bluetooth Tank Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluetooth-tank-game/id6754863139)

All apps by Joshua Spicer: https://appshunter.io/developer/1602007517

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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 2026-07-04.*