# Topo Maps — user reviews

> 112 indexed App Store user reviews of Topo Maps by Mappendix Limited, rated 4.30/5 from 128 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps/id306014271.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 93 · 4★ 11 · 3★ 7 · 2★ 7 · 1★ 10

## What do users think of Topo Maps?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 📍 Accurate USGS topographic maps for navigation
- 📱 Offline functionality without cellular service
- 💰 One-time purchase with no subscription fees
- 🎯 Precise GPS positioning and waypoint marking
- 📥 Easy map downloading and management
- 🗺️ Detailed historical map data with old features
- ⚡ Low battery consumption compared to competitors
- 🔍 Clean, intuitive user interface
- 🛰️ Works reliably in remote backcountry areas
- 👨‍💼 Excellent developer customer support
- 🧭 Compass and line-of-sight calculation features
- 📊 Multiple coordinate system support (WGS84, MGRS)

**Cons**

- 🗺️ Outdated map data (10-30+ years old)
- 🔴 Alignment issues in some regions (Central Washington)
- ❌ No GPS tracking/breadcrumb trail feature
- 🚫 Limited geographic coverage (US/Canada only)
- ⚠️ Inconsistent elevation accuracy vs. actual GPS
- 🐛 App crashes on iOS 16+ (partially resolved)
- 📊 Poor map scan quality and resolution in places
- 🔗 Cannot import GPX files or KML tracks
- ☁️ No cloud backup for waypoints and annotations
- 📈 Limited map download restrictions (36 map limit)
- 🔄 No real-time GPS tracking overlay
- 🏗️ Appears abandoned with infrequent updates

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App fails to open on iOS 16.2 and later versions
- Map download errors with spotty connectivity prevent future downloads
- App freezes after recent updates
- GPS location inaccuracy on iPhone (works better on iPad)
- Maps misaligned in certain regions
- Elevation readings significantly differ from actual GPS altitude
- App crashes when opening on newer iPhone models
- Blue location indicator too large and blocks map details

**Most requested features**

- GPS tracking with automatic breadcrumb trails
- GPX and KML file import/export capabilities
- Cloud synchronization of waypoints across devices
- Satellite imagery download option
- Track recording and playback functionality
- Elevation profile visualization
- Batch map downloading (multiple maps simultaneously)
- Waypoint timestamp automation
- Height map vs GPS elevation mode switching
- Line-of-sight calculation with fresnel zone visualization
- European and international map coverage
- 3D map rendering
- Distance measurement tools
- Route linking between waypoints
- Apple Watch integration

## Newest reviews (17 of 112)

### 3/5 — Almost perfect NO SUBSCRIPTION Topo app

*2023-02-25*

I have used this app for years, iPhone 4 days. I wish the developer would update the maps but even as it is it is far more useful than most. It seems like it’s been abandoned which is sad. But it’s still worth it, You pay ONCE and have access to download Topo maps of the entire U.S. for as long as you want. All on your phone so no data connection needed. All is not roses though. 

- alignment is seriously bad in some places. Laughably so. Central Washington state has maps so far out of alignment that adjoing maps look like cards tossed randomly on a table. I have paper USGS Topo maps of the exact same sections and those align perfectly. My National Geographic Topo maps of the same area align perfectly as does my Gaia GPS app. Not sure why these are so badly out of whack. Seems to happen somewhere in areas of various different states i have downloaded maps for 

-there needs to be a GPS tracking feature. So the app lays down a trail that follows your progress and the tracks can be saved and recalled.  The app is really lacking in usefulness without that feature. I am still having to use Topo! Which has this feature so I can save tracks of my adventures. I would love to not have to use Topo! anymore though because it was built for windows 95/XP and that ship has long since sailed. 

-this isn’t 2000 anymore so the 36 map or whatever limitation that exists when downloading hi-res versions of maps should be removed. These maps are small and downloading even an entire state would be very manageable on todays fast WiFi connections. 

- need to be able to import GPX files 

-

### 3/5 — App doesn't download correctly

*2022-06-10, version 1.16*

Will score better when update fixes bug.

### 4/5 — Best Topo App

*2022-04-26, version 1.16*

I’ve used this app weekly since installing it in ‘13.  It’s perfect!  (Could be more perfect if it were updated for current hardware.)
Don’t let this awesome app disappear. Please update it.

### 5/5 — Great…Could be magnificent

*2021-12-08*

I like almost everything about this app.

Suggested improvement:
1) Allow downloads of satellite imagery in tiles. I have to use other apps for this, but I’d love the option to zoom in and auto switch from Topo to Sat imagery. It’s annoying on other apps you can download imagery, but you never know how much data is being overwritten in the cache memory of the app…so you never know if looking at a new area cause the other area to ‘zero out.’ Downloading tiles would ensure that anything downloaded remains downloaded in only the areas you want. 
2) Allow line of sight calculator to add an up to 15% beyond calculation for more realistic propagation of radio waves. The line of sight tool is a fantastic for estimating UHF reception probability while using the direction and distance calculator. If there was a slider to add a yellow color cast to anything 1-15% beyond line of sight, this would assist in estimating UHF/VHF ground wave propagation/refraction fresnel effect of RF energy.
3) Add center point options for your location other than blue dot.

All in all, great app…could be even better.

### 5/5 — Very Awesome

*2021-09-24*

This app is incredible. Blows all others away!

…if you’re a naturalist, hiker, or love being in nature, then get this app. GPS functions very well and the US data from survey is incredible and accurate. I’ve used this app while serving USCG & DHS in Alaska and found it works extremely well while having very little to no listed cellular signal… literally in the middle of the deepest of terrain— I had used this due to the nature of my service for a backup in case I ever faced any emergency situations for basic survival.

I’ve had this app since about 2014 and I find it superior.

### 2/5 — Will not refund your money

*2021-08-09, version 1.16*

I’m not a fan of the set up. They will NOT refund your money if you don’t like it.

### 5/5 — Perfect for what you need

*2021-08-05, version 1.16*

I use this app everyday for work. 
EVERYDAY… Great for someone that spends their days in the woods surveying. 
-Works offline 
-Drop pin within feet of your location 
-Download files to open and use in the field 
Just the best app

### 5/5 — Amazing for canoeing

*2021-05-20*

This has saved me $500 and counting worth of topo maps.

The more I learn how to better use it, the better it gets.

Just take screen shots with your phone, save them as google docs and then print them, they are absolutely amazing, easy to access and cheap.

Very happy with this app.

### 5/5 — The best

*2021-03-01*

Been using this for years. I love it. I recommend it to everyone. The downloadable maps are so small I can have multiple states available offline on my phone. The gps function works without cellphone service so you can always find where you are. And the waypoints I’ve created over the years are all saved in gpx files so they’re easily transferable when you update your phone. If eight bucks sounds expensive: imagine the cost of buying your entire states topo map collection, then realize you have the entire US/Virgin Islands available to you.

### 2/5 — Outdated map

*2021-01-09, version 1.16*

Pulled up the map of the third largest city in MN. The map is decades old. Shows old names of buildings and structures that are not even there anymore. Also fails to show newer buildings and locations

### 5/5 — Worth the investment

*2020-10-14, version 1.16*

I’ve been using this app since 2016 and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I love having access to all the Topos wherever I am. I use them backpacking a TON, on trail and frequently off trail. I also use them while rockhounding in obscure out of the way places up canyons and washes. I use them to look at topography to find flat places to camp and to plan routes. 

It’s easy to use. You can save routes, put in labels and color code different places. I like that you can use a high resolution or low resolution setting. It allows me to have all the maps I need without all the space taken up. Even the low res maps are good. Also being able to measure line of sight from one point to anyplace else is great. 

The one time I was having problems with my phone and I reached out to the developer for advice he wrote me back super fast with the perfect solution. Don’t hesitate to buy this app. It’s so worth it! I’ve gotten my money’s worth many times over.

### 5/5 — It just works

*2020-07-26, version 1.16*

Great App done right from the start

### 4/5 — No good

*2020-07-11, version 1.16*

Asia Cover Map Don’t Spoort

### 5/5 — Fantastic

*2020-07-03*

I’ve tried them all (Gaia, OnX, Earthmate, and others) and by far this is the most reliable and intuitive topo application of them all IMO. It has some fantastic features the others do not, and it’s the closest you’ll get to physical topo maps in hand. Sure it doesn’t have all kinds of layers to overlay, but do you want to be caught up in techno-glitter or navigate? Earthmate is lousy, OnX the worst, and Gaia is not bad. Topo Maps+ is pretty good also. This app, however, is always my go to. Kudos to the developer for focusing on simplicity and functionality rather than bling subscriptions that simply bilk you for a lot of crap you don’t need.

### 5/5 — The most useful backcountry tool I have on my phone

*2020-06-17*

This app is fantastic. This is my go to for any backcountry trip- put my phone in airplane mode, use gps on the maps, and the battery will last for days and days. This has made the navigation on so many trips so much easier-from month long mountaineering expeditions to packrafting in remote places to backcountry skiing day trips. 

Also, the support offered is fantastic. I recently had a problem and got a really fast response from the app creator.

### 4/5 — Great App

*2019-12-03, version 1.16*

This is my favorite topo map app. I love its ease of use, and its ability to annotate and pin waypoints. The only thing I don’t care for is that there is no cloud saving of your annotations and waypoints. If it did that it would be the only topo map app I’d use. I use it about two to four times a week when fishing.

### 5/5 — Great NO SUBSCRIPTION Topo app

*2019-11-24, version 1.16*

I have used this app for years, iPhone 4 days. I wish the developer would update the maps but even as it is it is far more useful than most. It seems like it’s been abandoned which is sad. But it’s still worth it, You pay ONCE and have access to download Topo maps of the entire U.S. for as long as you want. All on your phone so no data connection needed. 

I payed a year subscription for another popular Topo app who made promises that all downloaded maps would be available on my phone even if I stopped subscribing. Wrong. Maybe 1/3 of the maps worked and if those they were segmented all over the place so useless unless I happened to be within a random maps location. 

When I buy a Topo map from REI I pay once and it’s mine, I don’t pay $1 a year or something. Subscription based software is a trend and money grab but what can you do. 

Why use the Topo Maps app of course and forget paying more than once.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — IOS 16.2 issues

*2023-01-23, version 1.16*

I am having the same trouble as others. I can’t open the app. Is there a bug fix yet?

### 1/5 — No Longer Works At All

*2022-10-04, version 1.16*

When I got my IPhone 14 this quit working. I deleted it, reinstalled it, and it was even worse.
Don’t waste your time

### 1/5 — Outdated maps

*2020-07-04*

Maps offered for Canada are over 10 years old. Lots of roads missing.

### 1/5 — Bleh

*2019-01-30, version 1.16*

Absolutely not worth $8. It looks like it simply stitched together public Topo maps which you access by clicking on regions overlaid on a google earth map with no local detail . No dot of current location on actual topo map, and the maps are old. It’s telling me I’m at 34’ elevation when I know I am 9 and can literally see the ocean. I need to ask for a refund. This is what you get when you buy without a trial. I do not trust the reviews on this one...

### 1/5 — I want my money back!!!!

*2019-01-22, version 1.16*

Can’t even simply search an address?!?

Refund please!!!!!

### 1/5 — Doesn’t support basic GPX Tracks

*2018-07-28, version 1.16*

I can’t believe I paid $10 for this app. It’s so poorly supported. Why bother with GPX support if you’re only going to support waypoints?

Also I got lost once because the app must be closed and re-opened to update one’s GPS location on a map after locking my phone. Otherwise it will tell you that you’re in the same spot until you finally figure out that you’ve been moving while your GPS location hasn’t.

### 1/5 — What a disappointment

*2018-07-13, version 1.16*

I seriously wish I could get a refund for this.. what a joke.

### 1/5 — Worthless. Want a refund

*2017-05-05, version 1.16*

Maps are outdated and worthless.  Put in location and map puts me miles away.  No tracking features.  Worst $8 I have ever been scammed out of.  Doesn't look like there is any refund options.

### 1/5 — Not intuitive at all

*2016-08-02, version 1.16*

I just bought this app and uploaded a gpx file into it. I can see that the file is in the app with all my waypoints and tracks. But for some reason I can't see the waypoints and tracks on the map. I see no button that indicates how to do so. Nothing. I hate this app and wish I hadn't wasted my money. Total garbage as far as I can tell. 

I did download GPS Tracks and it works beautifully.

### 1/5 — App nicht für Europa👎

*2016-02-07*

Wir geben alle möglichen Infos über unseren Geburtstag bis hin zum Standort und trotzdem wird eine App angeboten die für amerikanischen Kontinent bestimmt ist. Ich wollte ein Brötchen und in der Tüte finde ich Kokosnuss, man kann es auch essen. 😁

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Issue w/ Downloading Maps is Fixed!

*2025-10-07*

OCTOBER 2025: The issue with being unable to download new maps to my device has been fixed. when trying to download new maps, I would get an error message saying the map wasn’t available for download or something like that. I sent an email to the app developer last night, and six hours later he had responded and said the problem was fixed. And it really was! After all these years, this is still the best topographic map app out there for use in conjunction with hiking and exploring.

### 5/5 — This is an excellent product

*2025-07-23, version 1.19*

I'm a land surveyor and this app comes in extremely useful. The quads are pretty well registered and the contours are quite accurate. The biggest downside is that many of the usgs quads are not current.

### 5/5 — Nothing Better for Exploring

*2025-05-26*

I’ve been using these topo maps for years - pretty much everywhere I go I download the local area with these maps if I’m going to be out and about at all. Also, where I live I like to explore the back country, often overland with no trails or roads or on old two-track roads hours away from anywhere with cell service. These maps have been invaluable for offline use. 

I would say, however, that the most interesting use has been the fact that the old WGS84 took maps this app uses show a huge amount of things that modern maps omit. Old structures, mines, prospects, old roads, trails, and miscellaneous items that have been forgotten by all - including modern cartographers - are shown on these maps. A lot of these old things are still around, and are still visible even on satellite maps, but if you were only using modern (non-satellite) maps you would never know they were there many times. I love detail, and I hate how modern maps ignore so many different features that are in fact extant. These maps are perfect in ways so many other newer maps fail.

A few things I wish it had though:
1. The ability to add kml files, including tracks and shapes etc.
2. A mode where the gps would still track but not force you to be centered on your position. The second tap just shows where you were when you tapped it the second time.
3. The ability to switch between a height map and the gps elevation. The app currently uses a hidden elevation map (the same thing it uses for the line of sight feature) to tell you your elevation, not the gps. There can often be pretty drastic differences between your actual elevation and the elevation it shows. I’ve seen these when I’m flying my plane a number of times.
4. All of the above without a subscription and add on features you have to pay for as well (like the new app).

### 5/5 — Love this app

*2023-11-15, version 1.19*

The new beta topo maps 2 has zero functionality, so please don’t stop supporting the original.

### 5/5 — Thanks

*2023-02-21, version 1.17*

A very useful app. Thanks for keeping this app updated.

### 5/5 — Was great

*2022-12-25, version 1.16*

Loved this app until iOS 16 was downloaded, now app doesn’t work at all, can’t even open it. If you’re running iOS 15 it still works and is a great app. Needs up dated badly, 7 years is tooooo long to not have a update to keep it usable.
This is a update on this app. As of 12-20-2022 this app is again working as before. Not sure who did what to fix it, but thanks. IMO this is the best Topo app that I know of and I have tried a lot of them. It’s simple to use, the price is right, and will show you where your at or want to go without having service, works off GPS. I changed my rating from a 1 star to a 5 star.

### 5/5 — BEST TOPO APP FOR LAND SURVEYORS

*2022-09-02*

I use USGS topos daily and this app is really the best way to use these in modern day. No other topo app has real USGS quad maps, and this one having the ability to walk me to within a hundred feet of a section/township/ range corner is amazing. It is especially helpful to download these quad maps for when I go to remote locations. Can’t recommend it enough if you are a surveyor.

People complain about the outdated maps but if you want a newer map you shouldn’t be using USGS topos

### 5/5 — Outstanding app

*2022-06-15, version 1.16*

i’ve been using this on backpacking trips for years. It’s fabulous. What could be better than TopoMaps? Thank you for a great product.

### 5/5 — Wilderness backpackers

*2022-05-21, version 1.16*

Used Topo maps on a 5 days wilderness trip.  Cell phone was on airplane mode to preserve battery life.  The Topo map app let me know exactly where I was every step of the way.  Just download all the Topo maps you need ahead of time for free and then you are set.

### 5/5 — World Traveler!!

*2022-04-18*

I absolutely love this app! It is seriously the best on the market. I use it for work everyday and would recommend it to anyone. You don’t need cell service once you have downloaded the maps you need. I live abroad and cannot find an app that matches the perfection that this one does. I hope someday soon there will be expansions for the app to include the UK and Europe! Any chance let me know thanks!!

---

*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 2026-09-10.*