Comparison

topoXpress vs GL Connect

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

Head to head
About

topoXpress

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
Read full description

topoXpress provides the following features: • Multiplatform design: the same software with the same rich functionality for both GIS data collectors and Surveyors on iOS & macOS. • Handling and displaying large spatial datasets (raster and vector). • Responsive and intuitive user interface: easy to learn and use, automatic adjustment to different screen sizes, orientations, and resolutions of mobile (iPhone, iPad) and desktop devices. • Online and offline operation: online data sources (Cloud storage, TMS, WMS, KML), offline raster datasets (jpeg, ecw, ers, tiff, png, lan, bil, ENVI bsq), offline vector datasets (shp, dxf, map, GeoJSON, mif, txt, crd, dat, dbf, tab, mid). • Powerful GIS visualization functions: thematic mapping, transparency, labeling, query, layer groups, vector symbols, line types, fill types, event mapping. • Productive data collection: templates, surveying, stakeout, CoGo (Coordinate Geometry), forms, lists, calculated fields, GIS editing functions, sampling tool, and more. • Collaborative mapping for professional users through the topoXpress cloud service. • Extensive support of GNSS receivers through TCP port & Bluetooth, projection systems, geoids, shift grids. Bluetooth Rangefinder support for CoGo tasks. The app can be used in many different sectors: • Field data collection and inspection • Land Surveying • Topographic mapping • Forestry • Farm mapping • Utility mapping and inspection • Archeology *** NOTE: topoXpress offers all specified GIS functions free of charge. However, loading more than 10.000 records, saving and exporting your job can be done through our cloud service. Please visit our website for further details: https://topoXpress.com **NOTE ON BATTERY USAGE: The app may dramatically decrease battery life during the use with large spatial datasets. The app supports optional background location services, which can may cause a faster battery drain than usual.

About

GL Connect

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GL Connect is the official companion app for full featured control and setup of RTK GNSS receivers GLRM and GLR from General Laser. It provides a powerful and intuitive interface to configure, monitor, and operate your GLRM and GLR receiver across a range of professional applications including surveying, mapping, and construction. NTRIP client included, right from your phone or tablet. Real-time accuracy for surveying, mapping, and geolocation on the go. Configure your GNSS receiver, manage NTRIP connections, monitor RTK status, and capture accurate positions—all in one app. Key Features: * Instant Bluetooth Pairing: Connect quickly and securely to your GLRM device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). * NTRIP RTK Support: Configure and manage your NTRIP client to receive real-time correction data and achieve centimeter-level accuracy. * Full GNSS Control: Select satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.), configure signal bands, and apply elevation and SNR masks to optimize your fix. * Real-Time Status Monitoring: * GNSS fix type, number of satellites, and position accuracy * RTK status indicators with LED sync * Battery level and temperature readouts * Device firmware and hardware info * Tilt Compensation (FW 1.7+): Accurately capture GNSS points with up to 60° of pole tilt using real-time IMU calibration. View compensated coordinates and heading directly in-app. * Custom Configuration Options: * Set antenna type, offset, and height * Adjust position/satellite info streaming rates (1 Hz / 2 Hz) * Personalize your device name for easier tracking * Firmware Updates: Manual firmware update flow to keep your GLRM receiver running the latest features and fixes. * 2D Mapping Interface: Visualize antenna and tilt-compensated positions on an OpenStreetMap-based view. Applications: Field engineers, surveyors, GIS professionals, and construction teams who demand accurate GNSS data in a streamlined, mobile workflow. Supported Devices: GLRM and GLR GNSS Receivers

Screenshots

topoXpress4 screens
GL Connect4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: topoXpress at every 5 weeks against GL Connect's every 3 months. GL Connect's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.5). 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

topoXpress ships an update every 5 weeks, GL Connect every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
topoXpress versus GL Connect: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametertopoXpressGL Connect
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.514.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTopoLynx GIS & Mapping LtdGeneral Laser GmbH

In-app purchases

None

topoXpress

No in-app purchases

None

GL Connect

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is topoXpress free?
topoXpress is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GL Connect free?
GL Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do topoXpress or GL Connect have ads?
Neither topoXpress nor GL Connect shows ads.
Which is updated more often, topoXpress or GL Connect?
topoXpress ships an update every 5 weeks, and GL Connect every 3 months. Most recently, topoXpress was updated on September 21, 2026 and GL Connect on October 24, 2026.

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