# Cartograph Maps 3 vs Map Data Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Cartograph Maps 3 at 76% against Map Data Explorer's 0%. Cartograph Maps 3 also leads on rating (4.3 vs 2.0) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). Map Data Explorer's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cartograph Maps 3 sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month and Map Data Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cartograph Maps 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Cartograph Maps 3's written reviews are positive against 0% of Map Data Explorer's.

Cartograph Maps 3 ships an update every 5 days, Map Data Explorer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cartograph Maps 3 | Map Data Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartograph-maps-3/id1588186796/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **76.2% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 131 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.2 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Harald Meyer](https://appshunter.io/developer/389514018) | [Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459067502) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Map Data Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115)

This advanced mapping application supports various data formats including GeoJSON, MBTILES, and GPKG. It offers tools for drawing, editing vector data, and collecting dynamic information. Visualize terrain in 3D and utilize a suite of navigation and measurement features.

**Highlights:** Vector tile basemaps, User-loaded GeoJSON, MBTILES, GPKG data, Map catalog support, Vector data drawing and editing, 3D terrain and building visualization, Advanced data collection forms, Coordinate conversion and measurement tools

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TMG Elevate API | $4.99 | per year |
| Map Data Explorer Subscription | $4.99 | per year |
| TMG Vector Conversion API | $14.99 | per year |
| MapBox RGB PNG Elevation Tiles | $24.99 | per year |
| GeoRequest Area of Interest | $99.99 | per year |
| Pre-Staged Data Downloading | $199.99 | per year |
| Tile Downloader Module | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cartograph Maps 3 free?

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

### Is Map Data Explorer free?

Map Data Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cartograph Maps 3 or Map Data Explorer?

Cartograph Maps 3 is rated higher. Cartograph Maps 3 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Map Data Explorer averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Neither Cartograph Maps 3 nor Map Data Explorer shows ads.

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

Cartograph Maps 3 ships an update every 5 days, and Map Data Explorer every 2 months. Most recently, Cartograph Maps 3 was updated on October 18, 2026 and Map Data Explorer on October 3, 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.*