Comparison

Memory vs Detector Maps

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Memory

Navigate anywhere with offline maps and GPS. Access a vast library of global maps, plan routes, and track your journey without a mobile data connection. Sync data across devices for seamless planning and navigation.

Highlights
  • Offline GPS navigation
  • Downloadable global maps
  • Route planning and editing
  • 3D World map view
  • Interactive terrain elevation profiles
  • Cloud sync across devices
  • GPX file import/export
Read full description

Download maps for Offline GPS Navigation. No mobile data connection required. Your favorite maps and charts from OS, Hema, NOAA, and many more. Immersive 3D World map view Fully customizable map, data display and toolbar buttons. Powerful overlay data management, using nested categories and GPX files Backup and load maps from thumb drive. Use the same maps and sync your overlay data to other mobile devices and desktop computers Interactive Route Profile showing terrain elevation Track Altitude and Speed profile graphs Show terrain ascent, descent, max elevation and estimated time for planned route The Memory-Map for All app turns your phone or tablet into a full-featured Outdoor GPS or Marine Chart Plotter, and allows you to navigate with USGS Topo maps, NOAA Marine charts, and many other specialist maps, without needing a mobile internet signal. Maps are downloaded on-the-fly and can be pre-loaded in bulk, so they are ready to be used offline. Once the app and maps are loaded to the phone or tablet, cellular network coverage or internet connection is not required for real time GPS navigation. The Memory-Map for All app can be used as a standalone GPS navigator, but it can also be used in conjunction with the Windows PC or Mac app (free download) for planning, printing and loading up maps, waypoints and routes to the phone/tablet. Memory-Map for All includes free access to 1:250,000 scale topographic maps and many other free maps around the world. More detailed maps are available for download and purchase with a free try-before-you-buy, time-limited demo option. Available maps include Ordnance Survey, Hema, USGS quads, NOAA, UKHO, and DeLorme. Maps can be used on your PC as well as your phone and tablet. The Cloud Sync feature allows you to keep the overlay data consistent on all your devices. Features include: Access a vast range of Worldwide maps and charts. Automatically downloads a free map of your current location Create and edit marks and routes. Import and export marks, routes and tracks in the open GPX format Interactive graphs of terrain elevation, GPS Altitude and Speed profile Display; Position, Course, Speed, Heading, Altitude and averages Position coordinates include Lat/Long, UTM, GB Grid, Irish Grid, Military Grid. Units displayed in Statute, Nautical or Metric, with separate unit setting for Height Support for GPS and Compass sensors, where available. Placename search index can be used offline. Moving map, lock GPS position and automatically scroll the map Records breadcrumb trail / tracklogs. Share position marks, routes and tracklogs as GPX files Full marine instrumentation features, with AIS, DSC and Anchor alarm NMEA data interface via WiFi for marine instruments Barometer & relative altitude Import custom icons for POI Alarms for mark proximity, Anchor, Geofence or Exclusion zone, Crostrack error

About

Detector Maps

This app provides advanced geological data and GPS tools for gold prospecting in Australia, the US, and New Zealand. It offers offline map access, breadcrumb tracking, and waypoint marking to help users explore efficiently and locate potential gold-bearing areas.

Highlights
  • Advanced geological and gold-focused data
  • Offline map and data layer downloads
  • Breadcrumb trail tracking (background GPS)
  • Waypoint marking with field notes
  • Real-time GPS navigation
  • Historic gold mines and workings layers
Features
Read full description

Detector Maps is the field tool that keeps you on the gold - and on the relics. Built by geologists for prospectors, relic hunters and metal detectorists across the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, it pairs geological data and historical maps with rock-solid GPS so you spend your time on high-potential ground, not guessing. Whether you are swinging a detector for gold nuggets, coin shooting an old homestead, hunting Civil War relics or panning a creek, it puts serious research intelligence in your pocket - and it works offline, where the finds actually are. COIN & RELIC HUNTING - NATIONWIDE Research old towns, ghost towns, homesteads, schoolhouses and long-forgotten gathering places - the ground where old coins, buttons, buckles and relics are still waiting. - Historical map overlays: hunt the buildings, roads and fields the modern map forgot - Historic USGS Topo maps, coast to coast - LiDAR that reveals cellar holes, old roads and house sites hiding under the trees - Plan permissions with confidence before you knock GOLD PROSPECTING - 15 STATES Serious geology for nugget hunting, from California to the Carolinas. Detect where gold has already been found, then find what the old-timers missed. - Historic gold mines, diggings and workings - proven gold ground - Surface geochemistry with pathfinder-element filtering - Current and expired mining claims, updated every weekday - 1-metre LiDAR hillshade that reveals old workings worth a closer swing DETECTOR ACADEMY A built-in crash course: 34 short video lessons, most under a minute - layers, LiDAR, waypoints, trails, offline maps and Pro tools. DETECTOR GRIDS Plan complete, methodical coverage of a site with adjustable search lanes you follow while recording your trail - never grid the same ground twice. BREADCRUMB TRAIL TRACKING (BACKGROUND GPS) Record your exact trail even with the app in the background or the screen off. See where you have walked and save paths for the next trip. WHY WE REQUEST "ALLOW ALL THE TIME" LOCATION ACCESS Detector Maps only uses background location when you switch breadcrumb tracking ON, keeping an unbroken log while your phone is idle. Disable it anytime in the app or device settings. WAYPOINT MARKING AND FIND LOGGING Drop waypoints on coins, relics, gold finds and old workings. Add names, notes and photos, then sync securely between your phone and the web app so your finds are never lost. REAL-TIME GPS NAVIGATION Watch boundaries, geology, historical maps and terrain update around you as you move - a GPS built for prospecting, coin shooting and relic hunting. COVERAGE USA COIN & RELIC: Nationwide USA GOLD: CA, AL, NC, AZ, NV, ID, OR, UT, CO, MT, WA, SC, VA, GA, NM AUSTRALIA: QLD, NSW, VIC, WA, SA, TAS, NT NEW ZEALAND: historic goldfields, geology and offline maps CANADA: British Columbia SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION All plans include every map, standard data layers, offline downloads, and access to Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada (BC) and the UK. USA Pricing - Explorer Monthly: $7.99 USD; Explorer Yearly: $59.99; Pro Monthly: $11.99 USD; Pro Yearly: $99.99 USD. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Pricing may vary by region. PRIVACY AND DATA Your location, trails and waypoints are used only for core app functionality. Delete your account anytime: Profile > Delete Account > type "confirm" > tap Delete. Privacy Policy: https://app.detectormaps.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use (EULA): https://app.detectormaps.com/license-agreement Whether you swing a GPX 6000, an Equinox, a Manticore, a Deus or a Gold Monster - or a sluice or a pan - Detector Maps helps you cover more ground, log your best finds, and read productive terrain like a professional.

Screenshots

Memory4 screens
Detector Maps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Memory at none against Detector Maps's 4. Memory also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). Detector Maps's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (248 vs 10). On price, review sentiment, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Detector Maps sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Memory asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Memory holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Detector Maps has 248 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Memory's written reviews are positive against 73% of Detector Maps's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Memory ships an update every 3 months, Detector Maps every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Memory versus Detector Maps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMemoryDetector Maps
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (10 ratings) — better4.7 (248 ratings)
Positive reviews80.2% of reviews — better73.2% of reviews
Number of ratings10248 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterSubscription
Best chart rank—#107 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB140 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMemory-MapGOLD DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

Customer experience

Memory

All ratings10 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews111 reviews
Positive80.2%
Neutral12.6%
Negative7.2%

Detector Maps

All ratings248 ratings
Positive93.1%
Neutral1.6%
Negative5.2%
Written reviews71 reviews
Positive73.2%
Neutral2.8%
Negative23.9%

User reviews

Memory

From 10 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🗺️ Excellent map quality and detail
  • 📥 Offline map download capability
  • 💰 One-time purchase option (no subscription)
  • 🔄 Cross-device sync functionality
  • 🧭 Comprehensive navigation features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 App closing issues (swipe-up doesn't work properly)
  • 🚗 No Apple CarPlay integration
  • 🧩 Non-intuitive user interface
  • 🔄 Slow feature development over years
  • 📱 Dynamic Island compatibility issues

Detector Maps

From 248 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Good maps
  • 👍 Extremely handy
  • 👍 Helpful information
  • 👍 Excellent app
  • 👍 Fantastic app

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Missing areas
  • 🐛 Discrepancies in data
  • 🐛 LiDAR not working
  • 🔒 Subscription issues

Bugs and requests

Memory

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App won't close properly with swipe-up gesture on iPhone
  • Startup error message about improper closure
  • Maps fail to download on new devices
  • GPS location not detected on iPad despite enabled settings
  • App switching gesture interferes with map centering
Show 5 more
  • Dynamic Island doesn't show navigation instructions
  • Zoom limits restrict detailed trail viewing
  • Auto map change on zoom behaves unexpectedly
  • Help function is inadequate/useless
  • Cut-and-paste doesn't work on Mac desktop application

Requested features

14 requests
  • Apple CarPlay support
  • Map auto-rotation to direction of travel
  • More custom waypoint icons (food drop, water source, campsite, etc.)
  • Better route optimization with more waypoints
  • Map orientation options (North-up vs. route-up)
Show 9 more
  • Postcode and OS grid reference search
  • Location beacon within software
  • More detailed maps for Australian regions (SA, NT)
  • Foreign/European map availability
  • Historical map access
  • Font size control for map labels
  • Bulk waypoint customization on import
  • Course heading-up feature
  • Built-in POI overlay list

Detector Maps

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Issues with subscription and login
  • LiDAR not working in certain areas

Requested features

2 requests
  • Expand coverage to more areas
  • Improve data accuracy and consistency

In-app purchases

None

Memory

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Detector Maps

Subscriptions4
  • Monthly Explorer Plan$7.991 Month
  • Monthly Plan$11.991 Month
  • Yearly Explorer Plan$59.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly Plan3 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Memory free?
Memory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Detector Maps free?
Detector Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Memory or Detector Maps?
Memory is rated higher. Memory averages 4.9 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Detector Maps averages 4.7 from 248 ratings.
Do Memory or Detector Maps have ads?
Detector Maps shows ads; Memory does not.
Which is updated more often, Memory or Detector Maps?
Memory ships an update every 3 months, and Detector Maps every 6 days. Most recently, Memory was updated on September 22, 2026 and Detector Maps on September 24, 2026.

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