# OpenMapTiles vs Map Data Explorer

The clearest difference is rating: Map Data Explorer at 2.0 against OpenMapTiles's 1.0. Map Data Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months). OpenMapTiles's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and review sentiment (17% vs 0%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Map Data Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. OpenMapTiles asks for nothing beyond the download.

Map Data Explorer holds the better App Store score, 2.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 17% of OpenMapTiles's written reviews are positive against 0% of Map Data Explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

OpenMapTiles ships an update every 7 months, Map Data Explorer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 5, 2026 and August 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenMapTiles | Map Data Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openmaptiles/id1089255502/reviews) | **[2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **16.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 55 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Klokan Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/593541068) | [Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459067502) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenMapTiles

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openmaptiles/id1089255502)

Access and control map data with this application. Download vector tiles in MBTiles format for offline use and integrate them into your own app development projects. Customize map styles and host them on your servers.

**Highlights:** Offline map functionality, OpenStreetMap vector tiles, MBTiles format, Source code available, Customizable map styling, Server hosting options

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Map Data Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115)

This advanced mapping application supports various data formats including GeoJSON, MBTILES, and GPKG. It offers tools for drawing, editing vector data, and collecting dynamic information. Visualize terrain in 3D and utilize a suite of navigation and measurement features.

**Highlights:** Vector tile basemaps, User-loaded GeoJSON, MBTILES, GPKG data, Map catalog support, Vector data drawing and editing, 3D terrain and building visualization, Advanced data collection forms, Coordinate conversion and measurement tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TMG Elevate API | $4.99 | per year |
| Map Data Explorer Subscription | $4.99 | per year |
| TMG Vector Conversion API | $14.99 | per year |
| MapBox RGB PNG Elevation Tiles | $24.99 | per year |
| GeoRequest Area of Interest | $99.99 | per year |
| Pre-Staged Data Downloading | $199.99 | per year |
| Tile Downloader Module | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenMapTiles free?

OpenMapTiles is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Map Data Explorer free?

Map Data Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, OpenMapTiles or Map Data Explorer?

Map Data Explorer is rated higher. OpenMapTiles averages 1.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Map Data Explorer averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do OpenMapTiles or Map Data Explorer have ads?

Neither OpenMapTiles nor Map Data Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenMapTiles or Map Data Explorer?

OpenMapTiles ships an update every 7 months, and Map Data Explorer every 2 months. Most recently, OpenMapTiles was updated on September 5, 2026 and Map Data Explorer on August 12, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*