# Pro Compass — Compass with MGRS Sun Moon GPS

> Realistic pocket compass with MGRS, sun, moon, GPS, and inclinometer. (iPhone/iPad app by Craig Hunter.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-compass/id517739197 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884)
- Category: Navigation, Utilities
- Price: $1.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 73 App Store ratings · 101 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.4 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-04-17
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-compass/id517739197/reviews.md

## What is Pro Compass?

Pro Compass replicates the look and feel of classic pocket compass hardware in use since the 1800s, adding modern features and technologies.  The app uses advanced OpenGL graphics (normally reserved for games) to render 3D floating compass hardware for realistic operation.

Pro Compass offers nine different compass modes with direct read, traditional, and rosette styles capable of displaying degrees, quads, or mils (the direct read mode shows a North-South needle and reversed East-West convention).  In all display modes, Pro Compass shows both magnetic and true direction simultaneously, with a rotating outer true ring that is automatically adjusted for local magnetic declination.  Sun and Moon position are marked on the compass rings and continually updated.

Pro Compass displays location and altitude, with decimal, degree-minute-second, UTM, and MGRS position formats.  An optional "Datum Pack" adds over 230 geodetic datums covering regions and countries on all continents around the world.  The app also contains a built in two-axis inclinometer that drives two independent bubble levels and a bullseye level.  The inclinometer has angle readout dials for each axis, making it useful for many different types of measurements including slopes, pitches, sight lines, and geological angles like dip and strike. 

After using Pro Compass, you'll see why it's the best and most realistic compass available on the App Store!  Also be sure to check out the new Pro Compass for Watch, available for all Apple Watch models running watchOS 6 or later.

***** IMPORTANT ACCURACY NOTE *****

Pro Compass reports accuracy directly from the magnetometer sensor in your device.  This accuracy is determined by the hardware, not the application itself.

To improve results, operate Pro Compass away from any electronics or other sources of electro-magnetic interference, including car dashboards, aircraft cockpits, metal structures, and other devices.  

Please contact the developer via the support link if you need additional information about accuracy or operation of Pro Compass.

## Key features

- Realistic 3D floating compass hardware
- Nine compass display modes
- Magnetic and true direction display
- Sun and Moon position tracking
- MGRS, UTM, and GPS coordinate formats
- Two-axis inclinometer with bubble levels
- Support for over 230 geodetic datums

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $1.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Datum Pack | $2.99 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #157 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

## What do users think of Pro Compass?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎯 Displays both true and magnetic north simultaneously
- 📍 Accurate GPS location and coordinate display
- 🔧 Multiple coordinate format options (MGRS, UTM, DMS)
- 📊 Professional-grade precision instrument
- 🎨 Clean, intuitive interface design
- ⚖️ Built-in bubble level functionality
- 🌍 Multiple geodetic datum support
- 📱 Works reliably for outdoor navigation
- 🏆 Excellent customer support from developer
- 💰 Good value for price

**Cons**

- 🐛 Inconsistent compass accuracy across locations
- ❌ True north often displays as 'NA' without explanation
- 📍 GPS location detection frequently incorrect (places users in wrong continent)
- ⚠️ Large margin of error (15-35 degrees reported)
- 🔄 Compass needle wavers and appears unstable
- 📱 iPhone app only, not optimized for iPad
- 🔗 No data synchronization between iPhone and Watch apps
- 🎨 Dated interface appearance
- ⚙️ No manual calibration or adjustment options

**Commonly reported bugs**

- GPS location places users in wrong geographic areas
- True north display shows 'NA' without troubleshooting guidance
- Compass heading inconsistent on same fixed location
- Map loading takes excessive time
- Inclinometer calibration stuck in progress loop
- Compass appears frozen in some instances
- Magnetic declination not automatically adjusting for location
- East/West orientation reversed in some configurations

**Most requested features**

- Watch app integration with data sharing
- Manual compass calibration/adjustment feature
- Red backlight option for astronomers
- Topographic map overlay
- Bearing input and route planning capabilities
- Ability to remove bubble levels from display
- Native iPad optimization and larger graphics
- DM.mm coordinate format option
- Pointer color customization (red/green needle)
- GMT/time display integration
- Map orientation by direction of travel
- Coordinate spacing for easier plotting
- UK Ordnance Survey coordinate support
- Device-specific bias compensation
- Automatic magnetic declination database by location

## Recent user reviews (10 of 101)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-compass/id517739197/reviews.md

### 3/5 — No data sharing with Watch App

*2025-04-05, version 2.0.1*

Compass looks good and seems to function well as a compass. But I was expecting to be able to view and edit the waypoints I saved in the Watch App on my iPhone since both apps have the same name from the same developer. Was let down.

### 1/5 — Accuracy

*2025-02-24, version 2.0.1*

Every time I place it on the same fixed edge I get a different direction. Not accurate at all . Same problem I have with the one that was on my phone . Am I missing something?

### 1/5 — Garbage

*2024-10-12, version 2.0.1*

Wildly inaccurate. Use this app at your own risk but take a real compass with you. I want my money back

### 3/5 — Won’t Display True North

*2023-11-09, version 2.0.1*

The app won’t display true north. It just states NA (not available) in the true north slot. And it doesn’t show why it’s NA, or what to adjust to get it to show true north. Having true north is the only reason I downloaded this app.

### 1/5 — Does not point to magnetic north

*2023-11-05*

Shows pointing east not accurate at all. Waste of money

### 1/5 — Compass way off

*2023-07-17*

Compass is 60 degrees off Polaris in Central Ontario. No interference around in cottage country. Other compass apps and stargazing apps work flawlessly. Interface feels dated.

### 1/5 — Point North

*2023-07-04, version 2.0.1*

Seldom does my location

### 5/5 — Best compass for the iPhone

*2023-05-25, version 2.0.1*

This  is one of the best compasses available for the iPhone, I really like  that shows true and magnetic north at the same time. 5 stars well deserved.

### 5/5 — Excellent app - corrects for declination

*2023-04-01, version 2.0.1*

Exactly what I needfor bushwalking - a compass app that shows magnetic north AND true North together, and automatically applies the magnetic deviation based on GPS location.

Plus it reads out GPS coords and  altitude, all on the same compact display.

### 1/5 — Basically this is not a compass.

*2022-10-20*

First no magnetic north. Secondly I cannot input bearing’s. Third I cannot plan a route. 4/5 star rating I don’t think so.

## Frequently asked questions about Pro Compass

### What does Pro Compass do?

Pro Compass provides a realistic pocket compass experience with modern features. It displays directional information, sun and moon positions, GPS coordinates in various formats (including MGRS and UTM), and includes a two-axis inclinometer for angle measurements.

### What are the key features of Pro Compass?

Key features include a realistic 3D rendered compass, nine different display modes, simultaneous magnetic and true direction readings, sun and moon position tracking, multiple coordinate formats (MGRS, UTM, GPS), and a built-in inclinometer with bubble levels for precise angle measurements.

### Is Pro Compass free to use?

The app is free to download and use with its core compass functionality. Additional features, such as the 'Datum Pack' for expanded geodetic datums, are available through in-app purchases.

### What devices is Pro Compass compatible with?

Pro Compass is designed for mobile devices. A companion app, Pro Compass for Watch, is also available for Apple Watch models running watchOS 6 or later.

### What are common use cases for Pro Compass?

Common use cases include hiking, camping, geocaching, surveying, and any outdoor activity requiring accurate navigation and positional data. The inclinometer is useful for measuring slopes, pitches, and geological angles.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.1 — 2019-10-10

2.0.1 is a quick bug fix update to correct a graphics bug that caused a stray compass needle to be drawn on the ring instead of a full moon (Halloween werewolf bug?).  In version 2.0, graphics have been touched up and modernized without changing the app's classic look and feel. New icon. Interface updates for iOS 13 and new devices. Sun and moon indicators added to the compass ring to match features in the new Pro Compass for Watch app. Seven new datums added to the datum pack. Please help support quality app development by leaving a rating/review for Pro Compass on the App Store, and check out our other products and extras. Thanks!

### 2.0 — 2019-10-07

Graphics have been touched up and modernized without changing the app's classic look and feel. New icon. Interface updates for iOS 13 and new devices. Sun and moon indicators added to the compass ring to match features in the new Pro Compass for Watch app. Seven new datums added to the datum pack. Please help support quality app development by leaving a rating/review for Pro Compass on the App Store, and check out our other products and extras. Thanks!

### 1.2.1 — 2015-03-13

This is a quick update to fix a graphics freezing problem caused by iOS 8.2.

### 1.2 — 2014-10-21

Minor interface tweaks for iOS 7, iOS 8, and new devices.  Change in UTM and MGRS coding to correct position calculations when using legacy datums (such as NAD-27) and ellipsoids (such as Clark 1866).  Note that this enforces a ten-letter shift in the northing of new vs/ old MGRS 100,000 meter square IDs.

### 1.1 — 2013-02-25

* Added UTM position formats (regular and banded)
* Increased size of views and panels for iPhone 5
* New: Optional Geodetic Datum Pack with over 220 new datums, available as an in-app purchase

## Apps similar to Pro Compass

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Speedometer 55 Pro. GPS kit.](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speedometer-55-pro-gps-kit/id530829008) | 4.7 (2,732) | $3.99 | Navigation |
| [Tactical NAV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tactical-nav/id412650650) | 4.4 (320) | $8.99 | Navigation |
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| [Compass Direction - Digital](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compass-direction-digital/id1620523385) | 4.6 (2,700) | Free | Navigation |
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## More apps by Craig Hunter

- [Star Race Omega](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-race-omega/id300776131)
- [Theodolite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884)
- [Wx for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wx-for-ipad/id376956323)
- [Theodolite HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242)
- [Wx for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wx-for-iphone/id451916164)

All apps by Craig Hunter: https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884

## Related topics

[theodolite](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/theodolite) · [compass level sensor tools](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/compass-level-sensor-tools)

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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 2026-08-25.*