Comparison

SkyWalking vs BareGPS

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

Head to head
About

SkyWalking

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--------------------------- [ Overview of SkyWalking ] "SkyWalking is a GPS logging application developed for outdoor activities in harsh environments such as mountain climbing and ultra-marathons, where you have to travel for a long time in mountainous or desert areas without internet access. As a GPS logger, it can record your activities while tracing them in real time on a cached map, and export them to a GPX file to be shared with external services. It is also an application that allows you to enjoy the GPS logging in situations other than mountaineering, such as normal outings and travel. This app has been developed since its release in 2015 with the goal of "making GPS logging and GPS location information easily available to all iPhone users". By installing this app, your iPhone will become a highly functional GPS gear that can accurately determine your current location and route. You can use the high performance Apple Map in urban areas where you can connect to the internet, and use the cached OpenStreetMap and OpenCycleMap as offline maps in mountainous areas where you cannot connect to the internet. In SkyWalking, when OpenStreetMap or OpenCycleMap is selected, the displayed map is permanently stored as a cache of tile data inside the application, and thereafter the cached data is used without depending on the Internet. Once the data is displayed at the required zoom level, it can be used as it is unless you explicitly delete the cached data, so it can be used as an offline map. For details on how to use, please refer to the SkyWalking official website or How to Use in the app. Cached areas can greatly reduce the risk of getting lost by displaying your current location, elevation, direction, planned route, destination, etc. on the map, even in environments without Internet access. By exporting recorded GPS logs to general-purpose file formats such as GPX and CSV, you can use them in conjunction with other map applications and location information sharing services, or import GPX files from outside into SkyWalking and display them as reference routes on the map. SkyWalking also has an editing function for GPX files. SkyWalking is ideal for mountaineering, trail running, climbing, cycling, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities, as well as for driving, traveling, and topographical surveys. Enjoy GPS Logging with SkyWalking! --------------------------- [ Supported devices ] iPhone or iPad with iOS 12.0 or later. iPhone 7 or later is recommended. --------------------------- [ Notes and Disclaimer ] * SkyWalking is being developed with the aim of creating a GPS logging application that is easier to use, but there is no possibility of serious consequences due to usage, bugs in the application, or malfunction. Please use it at your own risk. * During GPS log acquisition, GPS continues to operate even when the application is in the background, which consumes battery power. Please be careful not to run out of battery during outdoor activities by carrying a mobile battery for recharging. * If you are considering using the app in an area where you cannot connect to a network, we recommend that you verify the operation of the app well in advance and gain knowledge about the app and mountain climbing before using it. Use of the app in dangerous areas such as mountainous areas, or in emergency situations such as disasters, may result in serious consequences. Please use the product at your own risk.

About

BareGPS

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Overview BareGPS is a free field-use hiking-focused GPS tracker/recorder which allows caching of mapping to allow offgrid use. The app does not bundle area specific waypoints or waypoint collections, but allows import of these from third-party sources to suit your purpose and location. Menus β€’ Search: Search local waypoints and the wider world. β€’ About: shows this app guide and the app logo. β€’ Settings: opens the settings menu. β€’ Cache: saves and manages offline map areas. β€’ GPX: manages recording and saved tracks. β€’ Map Layer: switches the map layer. β€’ Orientation: resets the map to north-up. β€’ Recenter: returns the map to your current position. GPX Recording Metrics Grids In Settings, under Recording Display, you can choose between two metrics grids on the map. The options are a full metrics display with recording controls and a compact display, which is the default, without recording controls. Recording using full on-map grid When using the full grid, a long tap makes the grid active and usable for 20 seconds, after which it becomes inactive in order to prevent accidental operation. Recording using compact on-map grid Tap the GPX Recording button in the right column and a dialog including recording controls will open. Using Recording Controls Tap Start to begin recording, Stop to end the current track, Discard to throw away a recording you do not want to keep, and Save to keep it on the device. Location Permissions and Data BareGPS uses location access to show your position, and support map recentering and recording features. The app can record, with permission, while it is minimised, in the background or while your phone is locked. For this reason, we suggest choosing While Using the App and turning on Precise Location in Location Services. Location data is processed on device for map display and related features. The app does not require an account, and GPX files, created waypoints or any saved data stays in the app’s local storage unless you export it yourself. Safety BareGPS is a mapping tool, not a substitute for local judgment, route planning, or outdoor safety checks. Note that, for your own safety, you should not rely solely on this app, or any app, for your navigation and safety in the hills. Possession of a map and compass and/or a dedicated GPS unit, and the ability to use them correctly, is an essential precaution. While phones have improved immeasurably in recent years, shortcomings in battery life, waterproofing and signal mean they are not yet suitable as a sole navigation device in the hills. Your safety is your responsibility. Take that responsibility seriously. Private Land Respect property boundaries, access restrictions, and local signage. If a route crosses private land or a restricted area, use lawful access only and choose an alternative route when needed. Credits AppsbyOnzy@gmail.com. β€’ Map rendering: MapLibre Native. β€’ Topographic maps: Map data Β© OpenStreetMap contributors; DEM: SRTM, Sonny; map style Β© OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA). β€’ OpenStreetmaps: Β© OpenStreetMap contributors. β€’ Satellite maps: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, USDA, and USGS.

Screenshots

SkyWalking4 screens
BareGPS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BareGPS at none against SkyWalking's 1. SkyWalking's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.2). On price there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. SkyWalking sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BareGPS asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
SkyWalking versus BareGPS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSkyWalkingBareGPS
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyβ€”Every 3 months
Adsβ€”No
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 β€” better18.2
Further details β€” not scored
Size28 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDEEP KICK.comDavid Owens

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SkyWalking

One-time1
  • Unlimited version$7.99
None

BareGPS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SkyWalking free?
SkyWalking is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BareGPS free?
BareGPS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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