SonsOfSmokey vs Backseat Geologist
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SonsOfSmokey
This app helps users identify and report illegal dumping on public lands. Users can geo-tag and photograph dump sites, then mark them as cleaned up. It aims to unite public land users and volunteers in restoring natural areas.
- Identify illegal dump sites
- Geo-tag and photograph debris
- Real-time trash map
- Mark locations as cleaned up
- Volunteer for cleanup projects
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Sons Of Smokey - SOS app is uniting public land users of all types and volunteers looking to help restore public land for future generations! Use the SOS app to identify and clean up illegal dump locations on public land. Geo tag and photograph abandoned vehicles, dump sites, etc. and update our real-time trash map. Scout out these marked locations for clean up projects and mark them as cleaned up when you're done. How it works: - Download the app and Sign-In with Apple - Open the SOS app while using public lands - If you see dumped debris, select the large "+" button in the middle of the screen, provide a description of what it is and take a few photos - You will see the trash icon appear within the app - If you can clean up a trash location, do so and tap the 'Clean Up' to provide some new photos and describe what you did
Backseat Geologist
This app provides audio explanations of the geology visible from your car. Explore geological features, create custom routes, and learn about earth history on the go. Offline access and adjustable audience settings enhance the learning experience.
- Audio descriptions of geology
- Interactive geologic map
- Custom route creation
- Offline map and data access
- Adjustable audience settings
- Points of Interest (volcanoes, earthquakes)
- Background audio playback
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Ever wanted a geologist to ride along and explain what's outside your window? Being a geologist myself, I went on vacation and wished I had someone to read geologic map descriptions as we drove across the countryside. When I got home, I started working on Backseat Geologist to do just that! Backseat Geologist will give you audio descriptions of the rocks below your feet or wheels as you travel. - Browse the geologic map and tap around to see details about the geologic units that are near you - Start an Explore session and get updates on the geology below you as you move around - Overlook Mode scans the geology of what you can see and tells you all about it - Create Routes to listen to the geologic story of your commute, road trip, or family outing. Routes combine the context of each geologic unit you pass to create a more cohesive set of descriptions. - Routes can be saved offline for areas with bad service - Long tap on the map to drop a pin and tap again to create a route to that location - Adjust descriptions for any audience from kids to geology enthusiasts - Geology data is powered by Macrostrat, USGS, GEM, Paleobiology DB, and more - Explore Points of Interest of recently active volcanoes and historic earthquakes - Choose between different base maps - View regional stratigraphic columns - See the paleogeography of Earth when rocks formed - Audio plays from the background and doesn't interfere with navigation or other apps - Works well with other playing audio like music or podcasts - Widget for the geology of your current location - Live activity shows on Lock Screen, Dynamic Island and CarPlay - App Intent gives Siri access to geology information from the app without opening it. Say "Hey Siri, use Backseat Geologist" - Sync with iCloud between iPhone, iPad and Mac Premium and Max users get: - Improved audio quality - Topographic map background layer option - Download geologic map tiles and data for areas of the map to use offline - Custom route creation - Import GPX files in custom routes - See further in Overlook Mode Download Backseat Geologist and discover the millions and billions of years of Earth history rolling by your window. If you find any bugs or issues please contact me at support@backseatgeologist.com Privacy Policy: https://backseatgeologist.com/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://backseatgeologist.com/terms-of-service End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Backseat Geologist at 92% against SonsOfSmokey's 45%. Backseat Geologist also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.8) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). SonsOfSmokey's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.6). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Backseat Geologist sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. SonsOfSmokey asks for nothing beyond the download.
Backseat Geologist holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 86 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of SonsOfSmokey's written reviews are positive against 92% of Backseat Geologist's.
SonsOfSmokey ships an update every 3 months, Backseat Geologist fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SonsOfSmokey | Backseat Geologist |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (18 ratings) | 4.8 (86 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews | 92.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 18 | 86 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 49 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sons of Smokey | Blake Morgan |
Customer experience
SonsOfSmokey
Backseat Geologist
In-app purchases
SonsOfSmokey
No in-app purchases
Backseat Geologist
- Premium Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
- Max Monthly$4.991 Month
- Premium Annual$17.991 Year
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- Max Annual$39.991 Year
- Colorado I-70 Route Pack$4.99
- Seward Highway$4.99
- Moab Utah Route Pack$9.99
Questions
Is SonsOfSmokey free?
Is Backseat Geologist free?
Which has better reviews, SonsOfSmokey or Backseat Geologist?
Do SonsOfSmokey or Backseat Geologist have ads?
Which is updated more often, SonsOfSmokey or Backseat Geologist?
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