iTAK vs GeoNames Map Explorer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
iTAK
This app provides real-time collaborative mapping and team tracking. Share locations, sensor data, videos, and chat with your team. Supports online and offline mapping with various data formats.
- Real-time team tracking
- Collaborative mapping
- Online and offline mapping
- KML/KMZ/GeoPDF overlay import
- Chat and file sharing
- Live video streaming
- Navigation tools
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**Compatible with ALL TAK ecosystem (TAK server, WinTAK, ATAK, WebTAK)** The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) (known as the Tactical Assault Kit in the Department of Defense) application: iTAK is a collaborative geospatial application to see your teams’ locations, sensor information, videos, chat, and more in real-time. iTAK supports Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial sector standards for icons, sensor information, and communication. Data can be pre-loaded into iTAK or downloaded from the network (via TAK Server) when available. iTAK capabilities include: • Online and offline mapping (most standard formats), download the maps right in the app • Blue force / team tracking (BFT) • Collaborative mapping, including points, drawings, locations of interest • Import and display of KML, KMZ, GeoPDF overlays • Location marking, sharing, with photo tagging • Chat, file sharing, photo sharing • Live video streaming with the ability to share video links • Spotted map to mark and share multiple locations across your map • Digital pointer to rapidly mark and share items on the map with your team • Navigation-walking/hiking, driving, also useful flying and air-ground coordination • Center on self or other objects (e.g. another person in the network) • Range, bearing measurement tools • Team Emergency Beacons • Customizable toolbar • 3D perspective • All data is secured and fully compatibility with the TAK ecosystem (ATAK, TAK Server, WinTAK) • Useful for law enforcement, first responders, hunting, fishing, ornithology, wildlife site survey System Requirements Operating System: iOS version 17 and later.
GeoNames Map Explorer
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GeoNames Map Explorer turns your iPhone or iPad into an offline-first field GIS for mapping, navigation, data collection, surveying, travel awareness, and team coordination. WORLDWIDE PLACE INTELLIGENCE • Search NGA foreign and USGS domestic geographic names online or from downloaded data • Find addresses, nearby places, map features, U.S. embassies and consulates • Hear supported place-name pronunciations and review weather, travel advisories, emergency contacts, and field references • Translate place information and supported chat content when language tools are enabled POWERFUL ONLINE AND OFFLINE MAPS • Use open MapLibre maps, downloadable areas of interest, and local map packages • Organize online and offline layers, change styles, reorder overlays, and inspect attributes • Work with GeoPackage, MBTiles, GeoJSON, GPX, KML, and other configured GIS sources • Display raster, feature, and vector-tile content with configurable styles and labels • Use MGRS/GARS grids, time zones, boundaries, an inset map, compass, measurement tools, weather, gridded reference graphics, military symbols, placemarks, bookmarks, and geotagged photos • Export map images and manage files through the iOS Files workflow SEARCH, MEASURE, AND ANALYZE • Go directly to a coordinate or convert between common geographic and grid systems • Run offline spatial searches and filter supported attribute tables to the visible map • Find nearby records by map center, typed coordinate, or current location • Convert supported vector GIS data to GeoJSON, GeoPackage features, or MBTiles vector tiles when the DuckDB Spatial build is enabled FIELD DATA AND PROFESSIONAL POSITIONING • Record GPX tracks, waypoints, time, distance, and activity details • Design and complete forms with geometry, attributes, notes, and photos • Create survey sessions, classify points, retain accuracy and GNSS provenance, and export field data • Connect to compatible Bluetooth GNSS receivers • Relay validated NTRIP/CORS corrections to compatible RTK receivers and monitor receiver-reported RTK Fixed, RTK Float, DGPS, and autonomous states TAK AND CONNECTED OPERATIONS • Connect to a configured TAK Server using secure credentials and certificates • Share position information, view team members and map markers, and exchange GeoChat messages • Support Cursor on Target position, chat, marker, and emergency workflows • Connect to supported Meshtastic or Traccar services when those integrations are enabled • Visualize configured real-time feeds for aircraft, vessels, transit, sensors, drones, GeoJSON, KML, and Esri streams AI-ASSISTED, WITH OFFLINE OPTIONS • Import a compatible on-device Gemma model for supported translation and entity extraction • Dictate supported GeoChat messages with Apple speech recognition and listen with text to speech • Extract locations, coordinates, callsigns, dates, routes, urgency, and other structured details from supported messages • Keep TAK text and audio workflows local when the on-device language feature is used PROFESSIONAL AND MISSION WORKFLOWS The solution includes configurable mission planning, tactical graphics, standardized message handling, terrain, training, collaboration, direct GIS service exchange, and cloud-data modules. Availability depends on the release configuration, connected services, organizational authorization, and device capabilities. Some features require downloaded data, an internet connection, a configured server, third-party credentials, a compatible external receiver or radio, or a separately imported AI model. RTK accuracy depends on receiver capability, correction service, conditions, and workflow. This app is a situational-awareness and field-data tool, not a substitute for official emergency, navigation, aviation, maritime, or life-safety systems. Continued background location and Bluetooth use can reduce battery life.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: GeoNames Map Explorer at 15.6 against iTAK's 17.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
iTAK ships an update every 3 weeks, GeoNames Map Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | iTAK | GeoNames Map Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.5 (156 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 40.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 156 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 278 MB | 150 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | United States Department of the Army, TAK Product Center | Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC |
Bugs and requests
iTAK
Reported bugs
23 issues- App crashes when exporting data packages
- App crashes when uploading files with local data
- App crashes when importing overlays
- App crashes when changing map types
- App crashes when creating missions
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- App freezes when handling large numbers of objects (15+)
- Indoor mapping causes app shutdown
- Markers disappear on app reopening
- Markers don't sync deletion status with ATAK users
- HTTP video stream links don't work
- Mesh network mode not functioning properly
- Settings reset to defaults on restart
- Toolbar disappears randomly
- Notification badges don't clear properly
- Unable to rename points of interest
- Duplicate server entries appear
- Unexpected shutdowns and crashes
- Connection failures to TAK servers
- Message notifications not appearing on iPhone
- App won't launch after deletion/reinstallation
- Data Sync broken in version 2.10.1
- Overlay import causes instant crash
- Markers become invisible with ArcGIS updates
Requested features
23 requests- Meshtastic and LoRa device support
- GRG (Grid Reference Graphic) functionality
- Mesh network integration (GoTenna, Beartooth)
- Plugin support system
- Google Maps or alternative map providers
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- Offline map download capability
- Angular measurement unit conversion (degrees to mil)
- Nautical miles unit of measurement
- Video stream support (HTTP/RTSP)
- CASEVAC calling functionality
- Polar plot tool
- Data package import from Android ATAK
- Bluetooth radio integration
- Apple Watch companion app
- Ability to edit and delete toolbar items
- True/Magnetic bearing distinction
- Point dragging and repositioning
- Contact/team management system
- Mission creation and editing
- Windows TAK Server version
- Improved notification system
- Chinese language support
- Better documentation and tutorials
GeoNames Map Explorer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
iTAK
No in-app purchases
GeoNames Map Explorer
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is iTAK free?
Is GeoNames Map Explorer free?
Do iTAK or GeoNames Map Explorer have ads?
Which is updated more often, iTAK or GeoNames Map Explorer?
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