# topoXpress vs CartoLake

The clearest difference is rating: CartoLake at 5.0 against topoXpress's 4.0. CartoLake also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.5). topoXpress's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CartoLake sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. topoXpress asks for nothing beyond the download.

CartoLake holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

topoXpress ships an update every 5 weeks, CartoLake weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | topoXpress | CartoLake |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topoxpress/id1500467308/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartolake-map-studio/id1604655745/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 27 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.5 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TopoLynx GIS & Mapping Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1500467307) | [CartoLake, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604655747) |

## What reviewers say

### topoXpress

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topoxpress/id1500467308)

This application provides robust GIS and surveying tools for field data collection and analysis. It supports both online and offline operations with a wide range of spatial data formats and powerful visualization functions. Designed for professionals, it facilitates collaborative mapping and extensive GNSS receiver integration.

**Highlights:** Multiplatform GIS and surveying functionality, Handles large spatial datasets (raster/vector), Online and offline data operation, Powerful GIS visualization functions, Productive data collection tools, Collaborative mapping via cloud service, Extensive GNSS receiver support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### CartoLake

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartolake-map-studio/id1604655745)

Create and georeference maps with various file formats. Supports imagery, scanned maps, and export options. Ideal for generating custom mapping content.

**Highlights:** Georeference imagery and scanned maps, Import Shapefile, KML, mbtiles, GeoJSON, PNG, Create simple maps, Export maps to various formats, Create ForeFlight Content Packs, Publish georeferenced imagery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FAA Sectionals | $0.99 | per month |
| Basic Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Topographic Base Map | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is topoXpress free?

topoXpress is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CartoLake free?

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

### Which has better reviews, topoXpress or CartoLake?

CartoLake is rated higher. topoXpress averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while CartoLake averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do topoXpress or CartoLake have ads?

CartoLake shows ads; topoXpress does not.

### Which is updated more often, topoXpress or CartoLake?

topoXpress ships an update every 5 weeks, and CartoLake weekly. Most recently, topoXpress was updated on September 21, 2026 and CartoLake on October 13, 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.*