# Theodolite HD — AR Navigation Viewfinder

> Augmented reality navigation app with compass, GPS, map, and camera features. (iPhone/iPad app by Craig Hunter.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884)
- Category: Navigation, Photo & Video
- Price: $8.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 136 App Store ratings · 158 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 30 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-03-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-01
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242/reviews.md

## What is Theodolite HD?

Theodolite HD is a multi-function viewfinder that combines a compass, two-axis inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, map, nav calculator, and geo-overlay photo/movie camera into one indispensable app. Theodolite was one of the very first augmented reality (AR) apps when it was released in 2009, and it’s been downloaded and used by millions of customers since then. Uses are endless, and the app is great for land measurements, outdoor sports, sightseeing, navigation, and finding your way around. Theodolite is a pro grade app and is used extensively by surveyors, geologists, architects, engineers, competitive sportsmen, first responders, military personnel, and search and rescue workers around the world. 

Theodolite lets you take data-overlay photos and movies with 2X-8X zoom. Overlay geographical data, angle markings, date/time, author/company info, and project notes directly on photos and movies for later reference. The same data is written into the metadata record of images, making image files self-contained data records. Third-party apps can tap into Theodolite's advanced camera functions with a camera sharing feature.

View current position on the built-in map with optional offline Outdoors maps that include topo contours, roads, trails, landmarks, campgrounds, ski lifts, and more. Live map markers continually update distance/heading relative to the current location and also show wayfinding info in the main viewfinder. Draw polygons on the map to mark things like property boundaries and trails, and import/export polygon data via KML.

Share map markers and nav calculator points with other users of Theodolite via text messages or e-mail. This powerful capability opens up a wide range of collaborative uses including team land surveying, accident investigations, spotting wild fires, triangulation of landmarks, and advanced tactical observation and targeting. With an optional in-app purchase to enable team tracking, you can share location with up to 20 people on Theodolite's map.

Theodolite includes features for serious users like a reference angle mode, nav calculator, map marker import/export, manual and automatic data logging with CSV and KML export, clipboard integration, %grade display, mil compass readout, optical rangefinders (including a mil-based reticle, sniper-style stadiametric graphs, and a variable 4X-24X scope), and night filters to improve use in dark conditions.

Theodolite can provide location in military grid reference system (MGRS) coordinates, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, British/Irish National Grids, US National Grid, Maidenhead locator system, Map Grid of Australia, and six latitude/longitude formats. Optional US State Plane coordinates include SPCS27 and SPCS83 zones covering all US States. The optional Datum Pack adds over 230 geodetic datums to the app to improve position computation from GPS data, covering regions and countries on all continents around the world.

AR Layers include navigational aids like the sun, moon, planets, and Polaris (North star), and the optional US Mountain Summits layer that shows over 70,000 US mountain summits in the viewfinder.

Theodolite has been shown in Apple Keynotes, featured on the App Store, and has been a #1 selling Navigation app in App Stores around the world. Since its introduction in 2009, Theodolite has defined augmented reality navigation. The app continually introduces new technologies, pushing the limits of iOS app development and taking advantage of new hardware capabilities.

Find out why Apple named Theodolite one of the most amazing apps available and showed it being used to explore the Great Wall of China. Where will you take it on your next adventure?

Note: Theodolite HD is an iPad app -- see the regular “Theodolite” app for use on an iPhone or iPod Touch. And be sure to check out the all-new "Theodolite for Watch" and put Theodolite on your wrist!

## Key features

- Augmented reality viewfinder
- Compass and inclinometer
- GPS and map with offline options
- Data-overlay photo/video camera
- Rangefinder and nav calculator
- Location sharing and team tracking

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $8.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Team Tracking | $1.99 | one-time |
| World Datum Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| US State Plane Coordinates | $24.99 | one-time |
| 5,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $8.99 | one-time |
| 20,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $17.99 | one-time |
| US Mountain Summits AR Layer | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $0.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Theodolite HD?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🔍 Accurate measurements and data
- 📷 Useful photo documentation features
- 🧭 Versatile for various applications
- 🏫 Great for educational and teaching purposes

**Cons**

- 🔍 Occasional compass/sensor accuracy issues
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for maps and features
- 📱 Separate iPhone and iPad versions require double purchase
- 🔄 Lack of screen rotation support on some devices

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Occasional crashes or freezes, especially on older devices
- Camera orientation issues on some devices

**Most requested features**

- Add option to set elevation angle to 0 degrees horizontal
- Implement cross-device sync and data sharing
- Expand map coverage and reduce in-app purchase costs
- Add support for more camera features like video recording

## Recent user reviews (10 of 158)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Even if you’re not a surveyor

*2025-03-11*

First of all, this app has a beautifully executed and intuitive user interface. IMO, everybody, even if they never leave the city, need to know the basics of how to use a map and compass. If a 12 year old Boy Scout can, so can you. It might even save your life one day. 
This tool is so easy and pleasant to use that practically anyone who took middle school geometry will know how to use it without even looking at the help. But “what use could I possibly have for it ?” you ask. Look around, you’ll see. If nothing else it’s a fun way to help a kid  understand geometry, which is essential knowledge, like knowing how to add and subtract.

### 5/5 — Fantastic

*2024-04-12, version 9.0.3*

Great app for anyone hobbyist to professional

### 4/5 — Useful documentation

*2024-03-01, version 9.0.3*

The app has become very useful for improving my field notions and data gathering! Very pleased with and recommend for anyone wanting to develop better standards of field data documention.

### 5/5 — Problem today is fixed.  Thanks.

*2022-06-28, version 9.0.1*

Thanks for the quick fix.  5 stars!

### 5/5 — The best for sure !

*2022-05-29*

Incredible app

### 5/5 — Great app for survey and back country flying

*2022-02-07, version 8.2.2*

This is a very useful app. It has excellent features, is fairly intuitive, and very powerful.

### 5/5 — Theodite and using for off road excursions

*2020-05-18, version 8.2*

I just found out how to use the video portion of this program. I just wish I could get this level of quality for my android and windows computers where I could change cameras.
But I have enjoyed it for years taking stills for showing information of places I have visited.

### 5/5 — Fascinating App

*2020-05-03, version 8.2*

From picture hanging to landscaping there is no end to the ways you can imagine to use this app. Great fun!

### 5/5 — Just awesome.

*2020-04-08*

Amen. Period.

### 5/5 — Love it

*2019-11-09, version 8.0*

Love this app

## Frequently asked questions about Theodolite HD

### What does Theodolite HD do?

Theodolite HD is a multi-function augmented reality viewfinder that integrates a compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, and map. It allows users to capture photos and videos with overlaid geographical data, navigate using detailed maps, and share location information with others.

### What are the key features of Theodolite HD?

Key features include an augmented reality navigation viewfinder, a compass, a two-axis inclinometer, a rangefinder, GPS capabilities, a built-in map with optional offline topographic maps, and a geo-overlay photo/movie camera with zoom. It also offers advanced functions like a navigation calculator and location sharing.

### Is Theodolite HD free to use?

The app is free to download and use with its core functionalities. However, certain advanced features, such as team tracking and additional coordinate systems or datums, are available through optional in-app purchases.

### Who is Theodolite HD designed for?

This app is designed for a wide range of users, including professional surveyors, geologists, architects, engineers, competitive sportsmen, first responders, military personnel, and search and rescue workers. It is also beneficial for general outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone needing advanced navigation and measurement tools.

### Can I use Theodolite HD offline?

Yes, Theodolite HD supports offline map usage. You can download optional offline Outdoors maps that include topographic contours, roads, trails, and landmarks, allowing you to navigate and use many of the app's features even without an internet connection.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 9.1 — 2025-06-30

New measure tool on map screen to compute distance and heading. Polygon popup label now includes perimeter length. Enlarged size of touch target for camera shutter button to include entire lower corner of screen for easier taps. Options to control specific geo-data elements included in photo/movie overlay. Revised rangefinder code for better fidelity on multi-lens camera systems. Fixed issue where certain characters in map marker titles would cause problems for KML export to Google Earth. Updated camera sharing feature that allows other apps to use Theodolite's camera for image & data capture. Minor bug fixes and tweaks.

### 9.0.3 — 2023-09-23

Fix for graphics glitches affecting some devices on iOS 17.

### 9.0.2 — 2023-07-26

Theodolite HD 9.0.2 adds options for two compass sensor algorithms in PREFS > Advanced.  "More Robust" (default) is a new option intended for general use in a variety of environments, including locations with moderate electromagnetic interference.  It was implemented in response to more and more customers attempting to use the compass in marginal situations.  "More Sensitive" (previous default) uses 3D vector components of magnetic field to give higher fidelity measurements, but should only be used in clean electromagnetic environments.  With either option, be mindful of local compass sensor accuracy, shown by tapping any of the green/red dots on the viewfinder screen.

Theodolite HD 9.0-9.0.1 added: New options for viewfinder graphics colors.  Option to show planets in AR overlay.  Ability to use sunrise/sunset/horizon to control display of AR layer content. Added help tips to status screen for common compass issues.  Added links to iOS Settings for common privacy/permission issues.  Added support for dual-wide cameras.  New AR display of map markers in main viewfinder.  Option for export of files to local iPhone or iCloud (log, map markers, map polygons).

### 9.0.1 — 2022-06-27

Theodolite HD 9.0.1 fixes an issue on certain dual-wide camera devices that caused a crash on startup.  Theodolite HD 9.0 contains: New options for viewfinder graphics colors.  Option to show planets in AR overlay.  Ability to use sunrise/sunset/horizon to control display of AR layer content. Added help tips to status screen for common compass issues.  Added links to iOS Settings for common privacy/permission issues.  Added support for dual-wide cameras.  New AR display of map markers in main viewfinder.  Option for export of files to local iPhone or iCloud (log, map markers, map polygons).

### 9.0 — 2022-06-27

New options for viewfinder graphics colors.  Option to show planets in AR overlay.  Ability to use sunrise/sunset/horizon to control display of AR layer content. Added help tips to status screen for common compass issues.  Added links to iOS Settings for common privacy/permission issues.  Added support for dual-wide cameras.  New AR display of map markers in main viewfinder.  Option for export of files to local iPhone or iCloud (log, map markers, map polygons).

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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)
- [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

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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 2026-08-01.*