Comparison

Architectural Guide BW vs Mapsarch

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

Head to head
About

Architectural Guide BW

Features
Read full description

Eye-catching modern architecture in a pocket-sized format: The architectural guide presents a selection of objects in Baden-Wurttemberg which have been awarded prizes within the framework of various awards or are regarded as exemplary pieces of architecture by the Baden-Wurttemberg Chamber of Architects. This app provides enthusiasts of building culture and architecture with information, images and geographic data about the buildings for when you’re out and about. You can either view objects of interest that are near to you or filter them by criteria: You can search by location, district, award or their presence in an architectural guide produced by the architectural chambers. Any object can be marked as a favourite and thereby be directly accessed at any time during a planned tour, for example. An entire query can also be stored extremely easily. Using the integrated map, you can find out the way to your desired object in an instant. Although you need to be connected to the internet to use this specific feature, the app can also be used offline. All objects can be conveniently downloaded as a package using your Wi-Fi at home and can then be retrieved without any active internet connection when you are on the road.

About

Mapsarch

Discover architectural marvels and connect with industry professionals. Share your experiences, add buildings and notes, and foster communication within a vibrant community.

Highlights
  • Discover architectural realizations
  • Interactive community platform
  • Add buildings and notes
  • Share user experiences
  • Connect with professionals and companies
Features
Read full description

MapsArch is a global architecture map, professional network, and creative community in one app. Explore architecture Discover buildings, projects, firms, and studios around the world through an interactive map. Search by location, explore nearby places, and uncover the people and stories behind the built environment. Share your work Create a professional profile, publish projects, notes, events, and stories, and build a portfolio that becomes part of a growing global architecture archive. Connect with the community Follow architects, designers, students, construction professionals, and companies. React to projects, exchange ideas, send messages, and grow your professional network. Find opportunities Explore jobs, collaborations, open calls, and industry opportunities shared across the architecture community. Save what inspires you Organize buildings, firms, projects, and posts into folders so your references are always within reach. Whether you are an architect, student, photographer, traveler, construction professional, or simply curious about the spaces around you, MapsArch helps you discover, document, and connect with architecture. Key features: • Interactive global architecture map • Buildings, projects, firms, and professional profiles • Personal portfolios and user-generated content • Stories, notes, events, and community feed • Jobs and professional opportunities • Messaging and networking • Saved folders and collections • Nearby architecture discovery Explore the built world. Share your perspective. Join MapsArch.

Screenshots

Architectural Guide BW4 screens
Mapsarch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Mapsarch at every 5 weeks against Architectural Guide BW's every 20 months. Architectural Guide BW's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Architectural Guide BW ships an update every 20 months, Mapsarch every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
Architectural Guide BW versus Mapsarch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArchitectural Guide BWMapsarch
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 20 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB88 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFUF // Frank und FreundeMapsarch Sa

In-app purchases

None

Architectural Guide BW

No in-app purchases

None

Mapsarch

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Architectural Guide BW free?
Architectural Guide BW is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mapsarch free?
Mapsarch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Architectural Guide BW or Mapsarch have ads?
Neither Architectural Guide BW nor Mapsarch shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Architectural Guide BW or Mapsarch?
Architectural Guide BW ships an update every 20 months, and Mapsarch every 5 weeks. Most recently, Architectural Guide BW was updated on September 30, 2026 and Mapsarch on October 10, 2026.

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