Comparison

MineAR vs Backseat Geologist

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

Head to head
About

MineAR

Visualize your subsurface GIS data in 3D augmented reality directly in the field. Overlay your data with terrain and geography to identify obstructions, compare topography, and discover new exploration targets. Works offline and includes a NearMe service for points of interest.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality data visualization
  • Overlay subsurface data with terrain
  • Identify drilling obstructions
  • Offline functionality
  • NearMe service for points of interest
  • Import CSV and GEOJSON data
  • Data styling and organization
Features
Read full description

Data you can grasp. As a geoscience professional, we know you want an easier way to see your GIS data while you’re in the field. MineAR allows you to do exactly that. Our app seamlessly allows you to upload your subsurface data and lets you see it alongside your surrounding terrain and geography. MineAR helps eliminate costly mistakes by allowing you to engage with your data, see obstructions for your drilling and exploration targets, and compare the topography with where you need to drill in real space. Discover all of this on our app. ▶ How It Works 1 - LOAD YOUR DATA Expect accurate and dependable results that are fast and responsive. 2 - VIEW IT IN THE FIELD No more frustration. Confirm your drilling and exploration targets and cross-reference your data while never leaving the job site. 3 - DISCOVER Eliminate unknowns as you locate new minerals in real-time. ▶ Free MineAR App Features • No ads • NearMe service shows the roads, rivers, points of interest, and elevation models in augmented reality of your location. This service is particularly helpful in the discovery of new mining or digging locations so you can compare the topography and the terrain. • Augmented reality and virtual reality modes • Digital elevation model • Works on and offline • Compass and GPS keep you and your data centered with the elevation model. ▶ Additional Premium Features • IMPORT common datatypes: CSV, GEOJSON (points, lines and shapes!) • ORGANIZE your data by Project • VIEW and STYLIZE your data by any of the data's attributes. ▶ Free Trial! Subscription Information Thank you for being an early adopter! A free trial gives you complete access to the app and the ability to upload and view your own data. Sample data added for you to play with. ▶ Feedback: Having a problem, or want to request new features please contact us at support@gominear.com Terms of use: https://www.gominear.com/terms-of-use

About

Backseat Geologist

This app provides audio explanations of the geology visible from your car. Explore geological features, create custom routes, and learn about earth history on the go. Offline access and adjustable audience settings enhance the learning experience.

Highlights
  • Audio descriptions of geology
  • Interactive geologic map
  • Custom route creation
  • Offline map and data access
  • Adjustable audience settings
  • Points of Interest (volcanoes, earthquakes)
  • Background audio playback
Features
Read full description

Ever wanted a geologist to ride along and explain what's outside your window?  Being a geologist myself, I went on vacation and wished I had someone to read geologic map descriptions as we drove across the countryside. When I got home, I started working on Backseat Geologist to do just that! Backseat Geologist will give you audio descriptions of the rocks below your feet or wheels as you travel. - Browse the geologic map and tap around to see details about the geologic units that are near you - Start an Explore session and get updates on the geology below you as you move around - Overlook Mode scans the geology of what you can see and tells you all about it - Create Routes to listen to the geologic story of your commute, road trip, or family outing. Routes combine the context of each geologic unit you pass to create a more cohesive set of descriptions. - Routes can be saved offline for areas with bad service - Long tap on the map to drop a pin and tap again to create a route to that location - Adjust descriptions for any audience from kids to geology enthusiasts - Geology data is powered by Macrostrat, USGS, GEM, Paleobiology DB, and more - Explore Points of Interest of recently active volcanoes and historic earthquakes - Choose between different base maps - View regional stratigraphic columns - See the paleogeography of Earth when rocks formed - Audio plays from the background and doesn't interfere with navigation or other apps - Works well with other playing audio like music or podcasts - Widget for the geology of your current location - Live activity shows on Lock Screen, Dynamic Island and CarPlay - App Intent gives Siri access to geology information from the app without opening it. Say "Hey Siri, use Backseat Geologist" - Sync with iCloud between iPhone, iPad and Mac Premium and Max users get: - Improved audio quality - Topographic map background layer option - Download geologic map tiles and data for areas of the map to use offline - Custom route creation - Import GPX files in custom routes - See further in Overlook Mode Download Backseat Geologist and discover the millions and billions of years of Earth history rolling by your window. If you find any bugs or issues please contact me at support@backseatgeologist.com Privacy Policy: https://backseatgeologist.com/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://backseatgeologist.com/terms-of-service End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

MineAR4 screens
Backseat Geologist4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Backseat Geologist at fortnightly against MineAR's every 3 months. Backseat Geologist also leads on ratings volume (83 vs 5). MineAR's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. MineAR sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Backseat Geologist sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MineAR holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backseat Geologist has 83 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MineAR ships an update every 3 months, Backseat Geologist fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MineAR versus Backseat Geologist: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMineARBackseat Geologist
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (5 ratings) — better4.7 (83 ratings)
Positive reviews—92.3% of reviews
Number of ratings583 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMap Life, LLCBlake Morgan

Customer experience

MineAR

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Backseat Geologist

All ratings83 ratings
Positive94.0%
Neutral3.6%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.7%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

MineAR

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$49.991 Year
7 purchases

Backseat Geologist

Subscriptions4
  • Premium Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
  • Max Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Annual$17.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Max Annual$39.991 Year
One-time3
  • Colorado I-70 Route Pack$4.99
  • Seward Highway$4.99
  • Moab Utah Route Pack$9.99

Questions

Is MineAR free?
MineAR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Backseat Geologist free?
Backseat Geologist is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MineAR or Backseat Geologist?
MineAR is rated higher. MineAR averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Backseat Geologist averages 4.7 from 83 ratings.
Do MineAR or Backseat Geologist have ads?
Neither MineAR nor Backseat Geologist shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MineAR or Backseat Geologist?
MineAR ships an update every 3 months, and Backseat Geologist fortnightly. Most recently, MineAR was updated on October 10, 2026 and Backseat Geologist on October 30, 2026.

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