Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA

Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA

by Kristopher Linquist

12 ratings
9 reviews
#63 in paid Lifestyle
🔧 Utilities
🌟 Lifestyle
$0.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • January 7, 2025
  • August 15, 2025
Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA screenshot #1 for iPhone
Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA screenshot #2 for iPhone
Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA screenshot #3 for iPhone
Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA screenshot #4 for iPhone
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About

This app helps Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air enthusiasts send spotting messages even without cell service. It utilizes iPhone's SMS over Satellite feature to communicate with the APSPOT spotting service, allowing users to log their callsign, frequency, and mode from remote locations.

Send spotting messages without cell coverage
Leverages SMS over Satellite
Locate nearby parks or summits
Enter callsign, frequency, and mode
Supports APSPOT spotting service
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What's New in Offline Spotter for POTA/SOTA

1.3.1

August 15, 2025

Updated 15M band plan (thank you KA5RBZ)

Charts

Top Paid

📊 63

Lifestyle

The app has maintained its position at 63 recently.

Last updated on July 25, 2026.

User reviews

POTA Good, SOTA Bad

POTA spots work great, SOTA gives 'ERRPNP: NM3A NOT IN DATABASE'. No idea why and no way to get in touch with anyone.

Useful app but contains invalid Virginia POTA entities

The app works as advertised and provides a complete, offline database of POTA and SOTA locations. Some of the Virginia POTA locations are invalid - state Wildlife Management Areas were removed from the program in 2025.

Excellent tool!

Has allowed me to spot numerous times when I didn’t have internet access and makes it easier even when you do. Has the band plan, location info and antenna calculator too. Fast and efficient.

Like the idea but haven’t been able to get it to work

I’ve been trying to get this app to spot for me on over 15 activations and every time get the same msg after a failed spot: ERRPNP: (Callsign) NOT IN DB. Tried to find a contact for the developer and tried to find some documentation on the website, nothing. I love the idea of the app, especially using iPhone satellite messaging when I am away from cell service, but I cannot get this app to work.
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Does not work

As the title says, it simply does not work. Tried to spot myself during a SOTA activation, I got this error every time ERRPNP:(call sign omitted) NOT IN DB. I reported the error with no reply. I’ll try it again in the future and update the review if it starts working.

Developer apps

FAQ

How does Offline Spotter work without cell service?

Offline Spotter leverages the iPhone's SMS over Satellite feature. This allows you to craft and send spotting messages to the APSPOT service even when you have no traditional cellular coverage.

What information do I need to enter into Offline Spotter?

You will need to enter your amateur radio callsign, the frequency you are operating on, and the mode you are using. The app then formats this into an SMS for the spotting service.

Is Offline Spotter free to use?

No, Offline Spotter is a paid application. It costs $0.99 to download and use. The developer covers SMS costs incurred by APSPOT from the proceeds.

What is APSPOT?

APSPOT is a spotting service that Offline Spotter communicates with. The app is a proud supporter of APSPOT's mission, and proceeds from app sales help cover SMS costs.

What devices does Offline Spotter support?

Offline Spotter is currently designed for the iPhone. It requires iOS 14.0 or later and is compatible with devices running that operating system.

How often is Offline Spotter updated?

The latest version, 1.3.1, was released on August 15, 2025. The app was initially released on January 7, 2025, indicating a relatively active update schedule.

What is the age rating for Offline Spotter?

Offline Spotter has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages and does not contain content typically considered inappropriate for children.

Does Offline Spotter have ads?

No, Offline Spotter is ad-free. You can use the application without any advertisements interrupting your experience.