# Theodolite — AR Navigation Viewfinder

> Augmented reality viewfinder with compass, GPS, map, and measurement tools. (iPhone/iPad app by Craig Hunter.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884 (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 902 App Store ratings · 475 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 30 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-11-30
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884/reviews.md

## What is Theodolite?

Theodolite 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 is an iPhone app -- see “Theodolite HD” for use on an iPad. 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 navigation
- Data-overlay photo/video camera
- Offline map support
- Rangefinder and nav calculator
- Coordinate system support

## 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 |


## Chart rankings

- #6 in Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)
- #172 in Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 475)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Excellent tool

*2026-07-21, version 9.1*

Provides good mapping and direction for stored targets. The direction indicator always seems to be slightly off the real heading, but close enough

### 5/5 — The best app in this class

*2026-06-26, version 9.1*

I have been using Theodolite for over 12 years. It never fails and is always working as intended. Perfect for remote locations. Thanks for the best app and continuous updates.

### 5/5 — Very Useful

*2025-10-13, version 9.1*

Update. If I hated the iPhone, I’d buy a used one just to have this app. 

I use this when building antennas, and any structure to check for plumb, level and height.

On the range for distances when initially zeroing a rifle scope.

### 5/5 — Incomparable!

*2025-10-01, version 9.1*

This is one of the best apps I’ve ever owned.

### 5/5 — Response tool

*2025-09-06, version 9.1*

We used Theodolite while responding to oil spills along the East Coast of Vancouver Island. The USCG DRAT from the 13th CG District introduced us to Theodolite and it’s powerful trig features using GPS, angles and calculated distances. 
The photo background is a great asset also. 
This app is very easy to use. With a little practice it becomes a powerful field tool.

### 5/5 — 55

*2025-07-10, version 9.1*

This is a awesome app
Very professional

### 2/5 — Stopped working on 15 Pro Max 7/9/25

*2025-07-09, version 9.1*

Suddenly stopped working on 15 PM. Been using for 7.5 yrs on multiple iPhones. Screen is black. No photo appears in photo app. Works on my work iPhone 13 regular. Weird. Please help.

### 5/5 — Daily Use in Work & Play,... Amazing App

*2025-07-02, version 9.1*

As a Location Scout in the Film Industry and an amateur Astronomer, I use Theodolite almost every day. Amazing & Reliable,... 'Absolutely love it!

### 1/5 — Calibrate!

*2025-07-01, version 9.1*

The calibration button does not work on a horizontal surface. When the phone is lying on a surface

### 1/5 — App freezes/crashes frequently

*2025-06-19, version 9.0.3*

Having the “Note” feature enabled frequently caused a black screen upon trying to capture a photograph; instead of bringing up the interface for writing the note after tapping the shutter button the whole app becomes inoperable. Cannot be relied on. Waste of money.

## Frequently asked questions about Theodolite

### What does Theodolite do?

Theodolite is a multi-function viewfinder that integrates a compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, and map. It utilizes augmented reality to overlay geographical data onto photos and videos, aiding in navigation, measurement, and outdoor activities.

### What are the key features of Theodolite?

Key features include an AR viewfinder, compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, map with offline options, a camera that captures data-overlay photos and videos, and various coordinate system support. It also offers a navigation calculator and collaborative sharing capabilities.

### Is Theodolite free to use?

The app is free to download and use, offering a core set of features. However, certain advanced functionalities, such as team tracking, are available through optional in-app purchases.

### What kind of devices is Theodolite compatible with?

Theodolite is designed for mobile devices. While specific compatibility details are not provided in the description, it is generally available on platforms that support augmented reality and GPS functionalities.

### Who would benefit from using Theodolite?

The app is beneficial for a wide range of users, including surveyors, geologists, architects, engineers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, first responders, military personnel, and search and rescue teams who require precise navigation, measurement, and data recording tools.

## 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 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 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 9.0.1 fixes an issue on certain dual-wide camera devices that caused a crash on startup.  Theodolite 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).

## Apps similar to Theodolite

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [onX Hunt: GPS Hunting Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onx-hunt-gps-hunting-maps/id672902340) | 4.9 (274,288) | Free | Navigation |
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| [Waze Navigation & Live Traffic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/waze-navigation-and-live-traffic/id323229106) | 4.8 (3,185,480) | Free | Navigation |
| [CalTopo: Backcountry Mapping](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/caltopo-backcountry-mapping/id1460038458) | 4.8 (7,253) | Free | Navigation |
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## More apps by Craig Hunter

- [Star Race Omega](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-race-omega/id300776131)
- [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](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/theodolite) · [augmented reality map](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/augmented-reality-map) · [apps for teenagers](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/apps-for-teenagers)

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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 2026-08-29.*