GeoNames Map Explorer vs Cartograph Maps 3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
Cartograph Maps 3
View and record offline vector maps with advanced features like custom themes, hill shading, and multiple layer stacking. Plan routes offline, measure distances, and sync data across devices. Supports various map formats and coordinate systems.
- View Mapsforge offline vector maps
- Support for OpenAndroMaps render themes
- Offline route calculation with BRouter
- Track recording in background
- Measurement tools
- Cloud sync across devices
- Multiple map layer stacking
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# Cartograph Maps View Mapsforge offline vector maps and record tracks. Includes OpenAndroMaps render themes, MBTiles support, hill shading, multi-layer stacking, offline BRouter routing, measurement tools, cloud sync, search, and offline overlays. Questions, problems, or feature requests: https://www.cartograph.eu/v3/contact/ **NEW** The app now ships with a companion Apple Watch app: https://youtu.be/mMjO9Ngfak0 ## Map features - View Mapsforge offline vector maps (including OpenAndroMaps.org). - OpenAndroMaps render themes (Elevate, Elements) for hiking, mountainbiking, running, and more. - Other offline formats: MBTiles (raster/vector), TwoWays RMAP, Locus SQLite, Oruxmaps SQLite, Garmin IMG (non-NT). - Online types: Mapbox MVT, Bing quadkey, OSM slippy tiles, raster WMS, MapLibre. - Offline hillshading and slope mapping (*). - Mapsforge multi-maps (*). - Classic Mapsforge and Mapsforge VTM rendering. - Stack multiple map layers, including transparency (*). - 3D buildings (*). - Create custom Mapsforge maps (**). - Grid overlays: WGS84, UTM, MGRS, and local projections (*). - Coordinate display: WGS84, UTM, MGRS, and local (proj4) projections. - Online map tile downloader (*). - Image-to-map calibration tool (*). - Zoom lock. ## Tracks and routing - Background track recording (*). - Custom track drawing tool (*). - Photo, video, and audio waypoints (*). - BRouter offline route calculation (*). - OSRM routing. - Google Directions (**). - Offline navigation with voice/custom audio instructions (*). - Waypoint alerts (*). - Live route elevation profile (*). - Import/export GPX, KML, KMZ (import only). - Import EXIF JPEG photos and Google Takeout as bookmarks (*). - Garmin icon support (*). - Live friend tracking (*). ## Other features - Measurement tools: distance, elevation profile, circular distance (*). - Workspaces for managing maps/overlays/tracks (*). - Cloud sync via OneDrive, DropBox, or your own server (*). - "What's here" reverse geocoding. - Built-in offline overlays: drinking water, supermarkets, hostels, restaurants. - Search: Google Places, Nominatim (**). - WunderLINQ and Carpe-Iter-Control support. - Translations: Czech, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Traditional Chinese (add your own: https://www.cartograph.eu/v3/add-ons/translations/). - Bluetooth heart rate, cadence, and speed sensors. (*) Full version, via in-app purchase. (**) Requires credits, obtainable in-app. ## In-app purchases Unlock all features and access third-party services (e.g. Google Directions). Details and Terms of Use: https://www.cartograph.eu/v3/in-app-purchase-info/ ## Disclaimer Background track recording uses location services and may significantly increase battery usage.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GeoNames Map Explorer at none against Cartograph Maps 3's 12. Cartograph Maps 3's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Cartograph Maps 3 sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. GeoNames Map Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.
GeoNames Map Explorer ships an update monthly, Cartograph Maps 3 every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GeoNames Map Explorer | Cartograph Maps 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.3 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 76.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 16.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 150 MB | 132 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC | Harald Meyer |
In-app purchases
GeoNames Map Explorer
No in-app purchases
Cartograph Maps 3
- Add 100 3rd party credits$2.491 Month
- Full version (monthly)$2.991 Month
- Cloud synchronization7 Days trial$2.991 Month
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- Full version (6 months)$4.996 Months
- Monthly subscription$4.991 Month
- Add 400 3rd party credits$7.991 Month
- Full version (yearly)$8.491 Year
- Yearly subscription$17.991 Year
- Add 100 3rd party credits$1.99
- Cartograph for Apple Watch$3.99
- 400 4rd party credits.$8.99
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Full version (life-time)$29.99
Questions
Is GeoNames Map Explorer free?
Is Cartograph Maps 3 free?
Do GeoNames Map Explorer or Cartograph Maps 3 have ads?
Which is updated more often, GeoNames Map Explorer or Cartograph Maps 3?
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