# GeoNames Map Explorer vs Cartograph Maps 3

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | GeoNames Map Explorer | Cartograph Maps 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartograph-maps-3/id1588186796/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 76.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 150 MB | 132 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459067502) | [Harald Meyer](https://appshunter.io/developer/389514018) |

## What reviewers say

### GeoNames Map Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geonames-map-explorer/id1566866256)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cartograph Maps 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartograph-maps-3/id1588186796)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add 100 3rd party credits | $2.49 | per month |
| Full version (monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Cloud synchronization | $2.99 | per month |
| Full version (6 months) | $4.99 | per 6 months |
| Monthly subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Add 400 3rd party credits | $7.99 | per month |
| Full version (yearly) | $8.49 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $17.99 | per year |
| Add 100 3rd party credits | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cartograph for Apple Watch | $3.99 | one-time |
| 400 4rd party credits. | $8.99 | one-time |
| Full version (life-time) | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GeoNames Map Explorer free?

GeoNames Map Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cartograph Maps 3 free?

Cartograph Maps 3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do GeoNames Map Explorer or Cartograph Maps 3 have ads?

Neither GeoNames Map Explorer nor Cartograph Maps 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GeoNames Map Explorer or Cartograph Maps 3?

GeoNames Map Explorer ships an update monthly, and Cartograph Maps 3 every 5 days. Most recently, GeoNames Map Explorer was updated on October 27, 2026 and Cartograph Maps 3 on October 30, 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.*