Comparison

Radar Plotting vs Messina Strait Currents

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

Head to head
About

Radar Plotting

This app offers advanced radar plotting for maritime navigation. It allows users to calculate critical encounter data, plan maneuvers, and analyze complex scenarios with interactive visualizations. Designed for training and decision support, it aids in understanding vessel interactions.

Highlights
  • Kinematic calculations (CPA/TCPA, aspect)
  • True and relative speed estimation
  • Evasive maneuver planning with COLREG guidance
  • Rescue and escape scenario planning
  • Double-target analysis
  • Current and drift estimation
  • Interactive radar canvas with playback
Features
Read full description

Radar Plotting provides advanced radar-plotting capabilities for iPhone and iPad. Compute CPA/TCPA, estimate true motion, plan evasive/rescue/escape manoeuvres, and analyse two-target encounters — all visualised on an interactive radar sheet. Highlights: - Precise kinematic calculations (CPA/TCPA, aspect, true & relative speed) - Evasive manoeuvres with COLREG guidance - Rescue & escape planning, including scenarios with faster vessels - Double-target handling - Current/drift estimation - Interactive canvas with adjustable scales and animated trajectory playback - Import/export via QR code and PDF report generation Safety note: This app is for training and decision support. It does not replace certified navigational equipment or official procedures. Always follow COLREG and local/company rules.

About

Messina Strait Currents

Features
Read full description

Messina Strait Currents provides tidal current predictions for the Strait of Messina, helping anyone navigating the Strait to plan crossings safely. Based on official harmonic constants, the app calculates tidal current direction and speed at the Strait of Messina's two main reference points, Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri, as well as in secondary areas of the Strait. Results are also displayed through a simple graph, providing a quick and clear overview of tidal current trends. Tidal currents in the Strait of Messina may exceed 6 knots. Knowing the predicted current conditions helps you plan a safer crossing. Home Screen widgets provide at-a-glance current information for Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri, without opening the app. Apple Watch. Check tidal current direction and speed at Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri directly from your wrist, view current trend charts, and access current analysis for the Strait of Messina. Use the Digital Crown to explore predictions by adjusting the date and time. Ring Smart for Apple Watch. Ring Smart watch face complications display current values and trends for Punta Pezzo and Ganzirri at a glance, without opening the app. Shortcuts and Siri. Check tidal currents at Punta Pezzo, Ganzirri, and across the Strait of Messina using shortcuts, which can also be activated with Siri for quick access to current information. The app also provides: • Sunrise and sunset times • Moonrise and moonset times • Moon phase • Illuminated portion of the Moon Specifically designed for navigation in the Strait of Messina. Messina Strait Currents builds on the experience of the previous app, available on the App Store since 2012, with a completely redesigned layout and numerous improvements. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Radar Plotting3 screens
Messina Strait Currents4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Messina Strait Currents at Free against Radar Plotting's $7.99. Messina Strait Currents also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 5 months). Radar Plotting's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On ads 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

Messina Strait Currents is free to download; Radar Plotting costs $7.99 up front. Messina Strait Currents sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Radar Plotting asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Radar Plotting ships an update every 5 months, Messina Strait Currents every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Radar Plotting versus Messina Strait Currents: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRadar PlottingMessina Strait Currents
Price$7.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGiacomo GabrieleAldo Buongarzone

In-app purchases

None

Radar Plotting

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Messina Strait Currents

Subscriptions1
  • 1 year$3.991 Year
One-time2
  • 7 days$0.99
  • 1 month$1.99

Questions

Is Radar Plotting free?
Radar Plotting costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Messina Strait Currents free?
Messina Strait Currents is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Radar Plotting or Messina Strait Currents have ads?
Neither Radar Plotting nor Messina Strait Currents shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Radar Plotting or Messina Strait Currents?
Radar Plotting ships an update every 5 months, and Messina Strait Currents every 8 days. Most recently, Radar Plotting was updated on October 26, 2026 and Messina Strait Currents on October 25, 2026.

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