Comparison

MAGE by NGA vs The Pipehawk

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MAGE by NGA

This app enables real-time field awareness by allowing users to create and share geotagged reports with media. It supports offline functionality and customizable geospatial data layers for team collaboration.

Highlights
  • Geotagged field reports
  • Media sharing (photos, videos, voice)
  • Real-time location sharing
  • Offline functionality
  • Local geospatial data layers
  • Customizable for team needs
Read full description

The MAGE app provides dynamic capabilities for mobile situational awareness. Originally developed to support first responders deploying in the event of natural disasters, the MAGE app on your mobile device allows you to create geotagged field reports and observations that contain media such as photos, videos and voice recordings and share them instantly with other members of your team. Using the GPS in your mobile device, MAGE can record user locations in real time. Your locations can be automatically shared only with the other members of your team. The app remains functional if your mobile device loses its network connection and will upload its local content when a connection is reestablished. Geospatial data layers, including map tiles and vector data, can be stored on your mobile device and are available at all times. When disconnected from the network, MAGE will use local data layers to continue to provide relevant geospatial information to teammates. MAGE is customizable and can be tailored to your team's situation. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is releasing this application to the general public to increase the impact of government investments in unclassified mobile initiatives. MAGE is not hosted or managed by NGA, in order to use it you will need to get access to your agency or managing entities server. Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

About

The Pipehawk

This secure platform provides Civil Affairs professionals with essential operational and readiness tools. Track engagements, plan operations, access AI mission support, and manage tasks, all from your mobile device.

Highlights
  • KLE & Engagement Tracking
  • Integrated Operational Tools
  • AI Mission Assistant
  • Interactive Map & AO Data
  • Task & Mission Planner
  • Fitness & Readiness Tracker
  • Offline Capability
Features
Read full description

Developed by and for Civil Affairs professionals, Pipehawk brings together every essential operational and readiness tool a CA Soldier needs in one secure, field-ready platform. Whether you’re tracking engagements, planning your AO, or preparing for the next deployment, Pipehawk delivers clarity, speed, and precision — right from your phone. Core Capabilities: • KLE & Engagement Tracking: Log key leader engagements, track outcomes, and connect insights to your broader mission picture. • Integrated Operational Tools: Synchronize Civil Affairs activities with supported units through dynamic PMESII-PT and ASCOPE frameworks. • AI Mission Assistant: Access instant doctrinal reference, mission analysis support, or report drafting with built-in AI integration. • Interactive Map & AO Data: See your area of operations at a glance with map overlays, contacts, and real-time updates. • Task & Mission Planner: Create, prioritize, and track tasks seamlessly — from individual actions to team-level operations. • Fitness & Readiness Tracker: Plan workouts, log results, and automatically calculate your ACFT performance and trends. • Airborne & Jumpmaster Prep: On-demand study tools, inspection checklists, and validation resources for airborne personnel. • Offline Capability: Field-optimized and secure, Pipehawk stores data locally for use in limited or denied environments. Built on a foundation of adaptability and mission focus, Pipehawk empowers Civil Affairs Soldiers to plan smarter, operate efficiently, and maintain readiness across every domain of the modern battlefield.

Screenshots

MAGE by NGA4 screens
The Pipehawk4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Pipehawk at 100% against MAGE by NGA's 0%. The Pipehawk also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

The Pipehawk holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of MAGE by NGA's written reviews are positive against 100% of The Pipehawk's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MAGE by NGA ships an update every 5 weeks, The Pipehawk fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MAGE by NGA versus The Pipehawk: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMAGE by NGAThe Pipehawk
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (7 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNational Geospatial-Intelligence AgencyMARK FORRESTER OWENS

Customer experience

MAGE by NGA

All ratings7 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

The Pipehawk

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

MAGE by NGA

No in-app purchases

None

The Pipehawk

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MAGE by NGA free?
MAGE by NGA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is The Pipehawk free?
The Pipehawk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MAGE by NGA or The Pipehawk?
The Pipehawk is rated higher. MAGE by NGA averages 4.4 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while The Pipehawk averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do MAGE by NGA or The Pipehawk have ads?
Neither MAGE by NGA nor The Pipehawk shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MAGE by NGA or The Pipehawk?
MAGE by NGA ships an update every 5 weeks, and The Pipehawk fortnightly. Most recently, MAGE by NGA was updated on October 24, 2026 and The Pipehawk on October 9, 2026.

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