# Map Data Explorer vs CartoLake

The clearest difference is rating: CartoLake at 5.0 against Map Data Explorer's 2.0. CartoLake also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). Map Data Explorer's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Map Data Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and CartoLake sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CartoLake holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Map Data Explorer ships an update every 2 months, CartoLake weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Map Data Explorer | CartoLake |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartolake-map-studio/id1604655745/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 138 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459067502) | [CartoLake, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604655747) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### CartoLake

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartolake-map-studio/id1604655745)

Create and georeference maps with various file formats. Supports imagery, scanned maps, and export options. Ideal for generating custom mapping content.

**Highlights:** Georeference imagery and scanned maps, Import Shapefile, KML, mbtiles, GeoJSON, PNG, Create simple maps, Export maps to various formats, Create ForeFlight Content Packs, Publish georeferenced imagery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| FAA Sectionals | $0.99 | per month |
| Basic Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Topographic Base Map | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Map Data Explorer free?

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

### Is CartoLake free?

CartoLake is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Map Data Explorer or CartoLake?

CartoLake is rated higher. Map Data Explorer averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while CartoLake averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Map Data Explorer or CartoLake have ads?

CartoLake shows ads; Map Data Explorer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Map Data Explorer or CartoLake?

Map Data Explorer ships an update every 2 months, and CartoLake weekly. Most recently, Map Data Explorer was updated on September 15, 2026 and CartoLake on September 28, 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.*