# Touch GIS vs Map Canvas

The clearest difference is rating: Map Canvas at 4.5 against Touch GIS's 4.0. Map Canvas also leads on review sentiment (79% vs 50%) and ratings volume (100 vs 32). Touch GIS's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Touch GIS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month and Map Canvas sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Map Canvas holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 100 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Touch GIS's written reviews are positive against 79% of Map Canvas's.

Touch GIS ships an update every 3 weeks, Map Canvas fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Touch GIS | Map Canvas |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touch-gis/id1469504766/reviews) | **[4.5 (100 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-canvas-draw-on-maps/id6737522164/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **100** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **78.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 79 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TouchGIS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737526594) | [Ka Chun Wong](https://appshunter.io/developer/1734201673) |

## What reviewers say

### Touch GIS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touch-gis/id1469504766)

This professional tool simplifies field data collection and mapping. It allows users to create and customize data forms, collect various data types offline, and export them to standard GIS formats. Professionals across diverse fields utilize it to enhance their fieldwork.

**Highlights:** Create Points, Lines, Polygons, Circles, Customizable attribute forms, Offline map tile saving, Export to industry standard formats, Attach photos to locations, Clinometer tool for orientation, Add custom base maps and overlays

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Subscription (Monthly) | $29.99 | per month |
| Pro License (Annual) | $299.99 | per year |


### Map Canvas

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-canvas-draw-on-maps/id6737522164)

This app allows users to sketch, annotate, and plan routes directly on a world map. It supports importing and exporting geographic data files and offers tools for drawing and pathfinding. Users can also share their map creations online.

**Highlights:** Draw and annotate on world maps, Pathfinding tools, Import GeoJSON and GPX files, Export data for sharing, Journaling and illustration on maps

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3-Days Free Trial | Free | one-time |
| Map Canvas Watch App | $0.99 | one-time |
| Donation | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Touch GIS free?

Touch GIS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Map Canvas free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Touch GIS or Map Canvas?

Map Canvas is rated higher. Touch GIS averages 4.0 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Map Canvas averages 4.5 from 100 ratings.

### Do Touch GIS or Map Canvas have ads?

Neither Touch GIS nor Map Canvas shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Touch GIS or Map Canvas?

Touch GIS ships an update every 3 weeks, and Map Canvas fortnightly. Most recently, Touch GIS was updated on October 23, 2026 and Map Canvas on October 20, 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.*