# Global Mapper Mobile vs Map Data Explorer

The clearest difference is rating: Global Mapper Mobile at 3.7 against Map Data Explorer's 2.0. Global Mapper Mobile also leads on review sentiment (33% vs 0%) and ratings volume (15 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Global Mapper Mobile sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per year and Map Data Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Global Mapper Mobile holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Global Mapper Mobile has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Global Mapper Mobile's written reviews are positive against 0% of Map Data Explorer's.

Global Mapper Mobile ships an update every 4 months, Map Data Explorer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Global Mapper Mobile | Map Data Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/global-mapper-mobile/id1097875766/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 126 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Blue Marble Geographics](https://appshunter.io/developer/424089128) | [Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459067502) |

## What reviewers say

### Global Mapper Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/global-mapper-mobile/id1097875766)

This application allows users to view and collect GIS data in the field using their mobile device's GPS. It supports various data layers and offers tools for drawing, tracking, and form-based data collection, with advanced features available through an in-app purchase.

**Highlights:** Vector, raster, and terrain data display, GPS location display and feature creation, Drawing, tracking, and form-based data collection, Image capture and Picture Point creation, Advanced GPS support for GNSS devices, RTK correction via NTRIP client, Offline data access and custom online sources

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Module | $49.99 | per year |


### 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 Global Mapper Mobile free?

Global Mapper Mobile is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Map Data Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Global Mapper Mobile or Map Data Explorer?

Global Mapper Mobile is rated higher. Global Mapper Mobile averages 3.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Map Data Explorer averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Global Mapper Mobile or Map Data Explorer have ads?

Neither Global Mapper Mobile nor Map Data Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Global Mapper Mobile or Map Data Explorer?

Global Mapper Mobile ships an update every 4 months, and Map Data Explorer every 2 months. Most recently, Global Mapper Mobile was updated on September 14, 2026 and Map Data Explorer on September 15, 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.*