Comparison

Direction explorer vs Hikers View

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

Head to head
About

Direction explorer

This app overlays a compass heading line onto Apple Maps, showing your current direction and distance to identified targets like villages or mountains. It allows for detailed map study, manual origin point entry, and the placement of pins with detailed information about selected locations.

Highlights
  • Compass overlay on Apple Maps
  • GPS-based direction line with distance marks
  • Freeze origin point and direction line
  • Manual origin point entry
  • Colored pins for target identification
  • Detailed information boxes for targets
  • Offline mountain database
Features
Read full description

DirectionExplorer combines a compass tool with Apple Maps by Apple to help you identify targets (villages, buildings, mountains, and more) appearing in your view. DirectionExplorer uses GPS to determine the observer's location and, using compass information, draws a line on the map in the same direction the iPhone is pointing.  The heading line includes distance marks, allowing you to better estimate distances directly on the map. You can freeze the origin point and direction line to study the map in detail later. You can also determine the length of the heading line (in miles or km) to better estimate your field of view. The horizon distance can be automatically calculated based on the site's altitude. The point of origin can be entered manually by tapping the map. To help you find desired targets more easily, you can insert colored pins above the map. Pins can be set by tapping on the map or by entering place names. Tapping on a pin or on a mountain displays an information box with detailed data about the selected target and these data can be easily shared. From an offline list of mountains, you can choose which peaks to display on the map.  The information box also suggests possible obstacles (based on the offline mountain database) that may lie between you and the selected target. For best results, hold the iPhone horizontally and aim accurately.  It is also important to periodically check the compass calibration and follow the on-screen calibration instructions.

About

Hikers View

This app uses augmented reality to identify mountains, cities, and celestial bodies in real-time. It acts as a digital observation guide, helping you discover landmarks and track planets with your device. Organize your favorite spots and plan adventures with custom collections.

Highlights
  • Real-time AR landmark identification
  • Planet, Sun, and Moon tracking
  • Distance and direction to landmarks
  • Create and manage custom collections
  • Interactive maps for collections
  • Urban exploration and travel planning
Features
Read full description

It has always been tiresome to correlate the mountain peaks, cities, and landmarks you want to observe while hiking or visiting a skyscraper. Now, instead of getting frustrated, use this app to visualize your favorite spots with real-time AR. It's a realtime Real-Time Dynamic Observation Signboard. Transform your world with SkySeekr, where Earth meets sky in an extraordinary AR experience! Like a real-time digital observation guide, our app turns your device into a powerful lens for discovery, perfect for curious explorers, aspiring astronomers, and passionate travelers. Key Features: Landmark Spotter - Instantly identify landmarks around you through AR - Discover hidden gems locally or worldwide - See real-time distances and directions - Works like a digital observation guide in your hand - Perfect for urban exploration and travel planning Planet Spotter - Track planets, Sun, and Moon in real-time - Simply point and discover celestial bodies - Get precise positions relative to your location - Makes astronomy accessible and interactive - Real-time astronomical observation guide Smart Collection Manager - Create personal landmark collections - Organize favorites by distance or name - View your collections on interactive maps - Plan adventures with custom location packages Why SkySeekr? - Cutting-edge AR technology - Real-time observation guidance - User-friendly interface - Works anywhere in the world - Perfect for both casual users and enthusiasts - Regular updates and new features - Great hiking experience Whether you're exploring your neighborhood or planning your next adventure, SkySeekr combines the magic of AR with practical tools to make every journey memorable. From street corners to star-filled skies, unlock a new way of seeing the world! Join thousands of explorers already using SkySeekr to discover wonders both near and far. Your next adventure awaits!

Screenshots

Direction explorer4 screens
Hikers View4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Hikers View at Free against Direction explorer's $1.99. Hikers View also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 19 months). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Hikers View is free to download; Direction explorer costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Direction explorer ships an update every 19 months, Hikers View every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 5 level
Direction explorer versus Hikers View: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDirection explorerHikers View
Price$1.99Free — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 19 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.616.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStefano RampazzoAvinash Kumar

Customer experience

Direction explorer

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Hikers View

Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Direction explorer

No in-app purchases

None

Hikers View

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Direction explorer free?
Direction explorer costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hikers View free?
Hikers View is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Direction explorer or Hikers View have ads?
Neither Direction explorer nor Hikers View shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Direction explorer or Hikers View?
Direction explorer ships an update every 19 months, and Hikers View every 3 weeks. Most recently, Direction explorer was updated on August 27, 2026 and Hikers View on September 12, 2026.

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