# CartoLake vs Topo Maps 2

The clearest difference is rating: CartoLake at 5.0 against Topo Maps 2's 4.1. CartoLake also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.2). Topo Maps 2's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (35 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CartoLake sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Topo Maps 2 sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CartoLake holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Topo Maps 2 has 35 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

CartoLake ships an update weekly, Topo Maps 2 every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CartoLake | Topo Maps 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cartolake-map-studio/id1604655745/reviews)** | [4.1 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-2/id6453889012/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **35** |
| Positive reviews | — | 37.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 31 MB | 223 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CartoLake, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604655747) | [Mappendix Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/298854054) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Topo Maps 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topo-maps-2/id6453889012)

Access detailed topographic maps and satellite imagery for the US and Canada, usable offline. Record and share tracks, plan routes with 2D/3D visualization, and view geolocated photos. Offers hybrid map modes and offline search capabilities.

**Highlights:** Offline topographic maps, 2D and 3D map views, Track recording and sharing, Route planning and visualization, Hybrid map mode, Offline search, Geolocated photo display

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Detailed Maps - 1 year | $4.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CartoLake free?

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

### Is Topo Maps 2 free?

Topo Maps 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, CartoLake or Topo Maps 2?

CartoLake is rated higher. CartoLake averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Topo Maps 2 averages 4.1 from 35 ratings.

### Do CartoLake or Topo Maps 2 have ads?

CartoLake shows ads; Topo Maps 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, CartoLake or Topo Maps 2?

CartoLake ships an update weekly, and Topo Maps 2 every 5 weeks. Most recently, CartoLake was updated on October 13, 2026 and Topo Maps 2 on October 8, 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.*