# Theodolite for Watch — Compass/Inclinometer/GPS/Maps

> Wrist-based compass, inclinometer, GPS, and map for outdoor navigation. (iPhone/iPad app by Craig Hunter.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-for-watch/id1480791708 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884)
- Category: Navigation, Utilities
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 20 App Store ratings · 33 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-10-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-for-watch/id1480791708/reviews.md

## What is Theodolite for Watch?

Theodolite was one of the earliest augmented reality (AR) apps for iOS when it debuted in 2009 -- in fact Theodolite was pioneering AR technology before "AR" was even a buzzword! In the time since, Theodolite has been used by millions of consumers and professionals in their outdoor adventures and on the job. Now, we've taken the Theodolite concept to Apple Watch by combining a compass, inclinometer, GPS, and maps into one indispensable app that sits on your wrist. We're excited to keep evolving this centuries-old instrument as hardware and software technologies allow the concept to come to new device formats.

On iPhone and iPad, Theodolite uses a viewfinder format, uniting the device sensors (GPS, magnetometer, gyro, accelerometer) and camera.  On Apple Watch, Theodolite combines data from these sensors into an AHRS (attitude and heading reference system) layout similar to what you'd see in the glass cockpit of a modern aircraft. This layout allows Theodolite to efficiently display compass bearing (yaw angle), pitch angle, and roll angle in a compact format that works extremely well on a small screen.  This information is augmented by latitude, longitude, and altitude from GPS, as well as sun and moon position.

New in Theodolite for Watch version 2 is a map screen and waypoint manager.  You can add waypoints on the map or at your current location, and view waypoints on the compass ring to visualize their bearing from your current location.

Theodolite has settings for compass mode (true or magnetic, degrees or mils), distance/altitude units (feet or meters), and position format (decimal degrees, degrees-minutes-seconds, MGRS, USNG, UTM, UTM-B, and Maidenhead Locator System).  Users can choose to display an artificial horizon in the center of the app display (tied to pitch and roll) and can set the app's level reference to flat or vertical orientations of the Watch.  The app has six color schemes, including two night vision modes - midnight red and luminescent green.

Theodolite for Watch is recommended for Apple Watch Series 5 and later (including Ultra).  Apple Watch Series 4 and older do not have a compass sensor and will not show compass data.  On older devices, the app uses the device's gyro sensor to measure rotation.  You can twist the watch's digital crown to adjust and calibrate the gyro to the sun position, moon position, or a known bearing.  Using these references, the "gyro compass" is able to give bearing.  The calibration can be repeated as often as desired to give accurate results.

Theodolite reports accuracy from the magnetometer sensor in your Watch.  To improve results, operate Theodolite away from magnets, electronics, or sources of electro-magnetic interference, including car dashboards, aircraft cockpits, metal structures, and other devices.

Like all our apps, we plan to continually improve and evolve Theodolite for Watch.  Please contact us with feature requests, suggestions, and general feedback.  We'd love to hear what you're doing with the app!  And if you don't already have Theodolite for your iPhone or iPad, check it out!

## Key features

- Compass bearing display
- Inclinometer (pitch and roll)
- GPS location and altitude
- Map screen with waypoints
- Sun and moon position
- Customizable units and formats
- Night vision modes

## Recent user reviews (10 of 33)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-for-watch/id1480791708/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Great asset for any traveler

*2024-10-27*

This product is great for any outdoor enthusiast, traveler, or weekend warrior. Don’t hesitate to get the bundle!

**Developer response:** You can go to the App Store app on the Watch and look in Account > Purchases to install any of your previous app purchases.  This will be required for any independent Watch apps, which are not automatically managed through the Watch settings on your iPhone.

### 1/5 — Disappearing App

*2024-09-19*

This product worked great on my Ultra 1 but since upgrading to the Ultra 2 it is nowhere to be found.

### 5/5 — Great app for the military

*2024-02-26*

Almost excellent. The only issue I saw after a year of using it, it’s the MGRS format. The 10 figures grid is perfect, but maybe put a space, a hyphen or aback slash between the first 5 numbers ? 
But over all, it’s my favorite app when in the training area !!!

### 5/5 — Night adventure pack but didn’t receive theodolite

*2023-12-31*

Like the product but didn’t get the theodolite when I purchased the adventure pack. Apple is not responding after to inquiries. Will Chang to 5 when this is squared up. Instructions and settings don’t help.

**Developer response:** Go to the App Store app on your Watch and look in "Account" > "Purchases".  You can install the app from there if it didn't come through the first time.

### 5/5 — Very nice addition

*2023-10-01*

I have had the Theodolite app loaded on my iPhones for years. I just purchased an Apple Watch Ultra 2 and this is one of the first AW app’s I added. I did this as much to support the author as to use it. Getting in on the ground floor of this version.  I notice the location data is not loading. Brand new with the Apple Watch so I don’t know if there is an outside setting for this.

**Developer response:** That usually means you did not give permission for the app to use location services.  If you want to contact us at hrtapps.com, we can walk you through the process to correct this.

### 2/5 — Purchased, but won’t download

*2023-09-27*

I just purchased the app but I can’t get it to download. Can’t find any assistance anywhere. Anyone have an idea.  I’ve restarted several times.

**Developer response:** Go on your Watch, open the Watch’s App Store app, scroll down and tap “Account”, then tap “Purchases”, then install the app on the Watch from there.

### 1/5 — Reinstall

*2023-06-23*

How to reinstall to my apple watch i deleted but to install again does not show in watch list software stupied software

**Developer response:** Go on your Watch, open the Watch’s App Store app, scroll down and tap “Account”, then tap “Purchases”, then install the app on the Watch from there.  Do not use the App Store on your iPhone.

### 1/5 — TIMO

*2023-05-16*

No se ha descargado después del pago.

### 5/5 — Trouble completing download to Apple Watch

*2023-03-03*

I need to get my install out of pending and completed.  Could be a bad payment method (fixed) or an attempted install during a time when watch was out of battery.
Thank you!

### 4/5 — Wonderful app that’s missing just 1 thing

*2023-02-14*

Great app that’s expands on apples way back app, however it’s missing any complications at all, that would allow the sun position or primary points to be viewed at a glance

## Frequently asked questions about Theodolite for Watch

### What does Theodolite for Watch do?

Theodolite for Watch combines a compass, inclinometer, GPS, and maps into a single application for your Apple Watch. It displays essential directional and positional data, including bearing, pitch, roll angles, latitude, longitude, and altitude. It also shows the position of the sun and moon.

### What are the key features of Theodolite for Watch?

Key features include a detailed compass bearing display, an inclinometer for pitch and roll angles, GPS for location and altitude, and a map screen with a waypoint manager. Users can customize units, position formats, and choose from various color schemes, including night vision modes.

### How much does Theodolite for Watch cost?

The application is a paid app. There are no advertisements or in-app purchases mentioned, indicating a one-time purchase for the full functionality.

### What are the compatibility requirements for Theodolite for Watch?

The app is recommended for Apple Watch Series 5 and later, including Ultra models, as these devices have a compass sensor. Older Apple Watch models without a compass sensor can still use the app, but it relies on gyro sensors for orientation data and requires calibration.

### How can I get accurate readings with Theodolite for Watch?

To improve accuracy, it is recommended to operate the app away from magnets, electronics, or sources of electromagnetic interference, such as car dashboards or metal structures. For older devices without a compass, calibrating the gyro sensor using the sun, moon, or a known bearing can provide accurate results.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2 — 2023-03-28

Option to display compass bearing in mils.  Complication shortcut for launching app.  Changed wrist-down behavior (app will now sleep screen instead of flipping orientation).  Minor bug fixes and improvements.

### 2.1 — 2022-11-08

Additional position formats - MGRS, USNG, UTM, Banded UTM-B, and Maidenhead (MLS).  Two new night vision interface themes - midnight red and luminescent green.

### 2.0 — 2022-10-05

Numerous modifications and interface tweaks to support the larger display on the Apple Watch Ultra.  New interface color schemes, including international orange.  A new map screen with search, waypoints, and a waypoint manager.  Waypoints are visible on the map and compass ring.

### 1.0.1 — 2019-10-23

Improvement in motion updates to avoid situations where old motion events may interfere with graphics animation.

### 1.0 — 2019-10-15

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Theodolite for Watch

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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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)
- [Pro Compass](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-compass/id517739197)

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

## Related topics

[theodolite for watch](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/theodolite-for-watch) · [theodolite](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/theodolite)

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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 2026-08-26.*