Comparison

GridPoint GB vs GB Grid Ref Compass

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

Head to head
About

GridPoint GB

Locate yourself on a paper Ordnance Survey map using your iPhone's GPS and compass, even without mobile reception. It provides your grid reference and heading, with accurate coordinate conversions. Features include Apple Watch integration, location sharing, and sunset/sunrise times.

Highlights
  • GPS and compass for location
  • Accurate coordinate conversions
  • Apple Watch app and complication
  • Location sharing
  • Sunset and sunrise times
  • Distress signal
Features
Read full description

If you have a paper Ordnance Survey (OS) map, GridPoint GB makes it easy to locate yourself — even when you've got no mobile reception. The app uses your iPhone's GPS and compass to provide your current grid reference and heading, and illustrates how to use this to locate yourself on the map. Coordinate conversions are implemented via OS's OSTN02, accurate to within 1m. The app also: * Includes an Apple Watch app and associated complication * Reports full numerical easting and northing, tetrad, raw latitude/longitude, a nearby postcode, and various heading parameters * Has a sharing facility so you can share, copy or store your location * Calculates next sunset and sunrise times * Can emit a distress signal, just in case All features are free to use — the in-app purchase is simply a tip you can give the developer to show appreciation. For details and instructions, please see http://mackerron.com/gridpointgb/ Please note: this app works ONLY in Britain (i.e. England, Scotland or Wales). It does not operate in other parts of the UK or British Isles and cannot provide coordinates in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, since a different coordinate system is used.

About

GB Grid Ref Compass

This app displays your current location on a map of Great Britain, providing your GB Grid Reference, compass bearing, and latitude/longitude. It also shows GPS accuracy and includes a guide to the National Grid system. Location data can be shared via text, email, or tweet.

Highlights
  • GB Grid Reference (Ordnance Survey)
  • Compass Bearing
  • Latitude and Longitude (OSGB36 & WGS84)
  • GPS Accuracy Display
  • National Grid graphical guide
  • Location sharing (SMS, Email, Tweet)
Features
Read full description

Find out your current location on a GB Map, whilst in Great Britain. This app will give you your GB Grid Ref (Ordnance Survey / OS Grid Reference), along with a Compass Bearing and Latitude and Longitude values in both OSGB36 and WGS84 formats. The accuracy of the Device GPS signal will also be shown. Includes a handy graphical guide to the "National Grid" system. Whilst the app will work worldwide, the values given will only be of use within the United Kingdom. Ideal for use on walks. Always carry a map and physical compass in addition to your iPhone. For the best accuracy, use in an open space, away from trees or hill edges. Like a traditional compass, use with the phone in a flat position, not upright. When continued usage is required, you can set the iPhone Screen to stay on indefinitely, from the Settings tab. Send or Share your location information in a Text Message (or iMessage), Email or Tweet* This app requires Location Services to be enabled in your iPhone, and you must grant permission to the app to use these. Compatible with iPhone. Not compatible with iPod Touch, or (non-cellular) iPads, due to the lack of GPS and Compass hardware. * - Internet Connection, and correctly configured Text Message (or iMessage), Email and / or Twitter settings, required to fulfil. -- A sister app is now available for use in Ireland. Please search for Irish Grid Ref Compass.

Screenshots

GridPoint GB4 screens
GB Grid Ref Compass3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: GridPoint GB at Free against GB Grid Ref Compass's $0.99. GB Grid Ref Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 6 months vs every 16 months). On review sentiment, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

GridPoint GB is free to download; GB Grid Ref Compass costs $0.99 up front. GridPoint GB sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. GB Grid Ref Compass asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, GB Grid Ref Compass every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
GridPoint GB versus GB Grid Ref Compass: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridPoint GBGB Grid Ref Compass
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating—3.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.3% of reviews78.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 16 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.07.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGeorge MacKerronMike Irving

Customer experience

GridPoint GB

Written reviews65 reviews
Positive72.3%
Neutral1.5%
Negative26.2%

GB Grid Ref Compass

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive78.8%
Neutral3.8%
Negative17.3%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

GridPoint GB

One-time3
  • Magnificent tip$2.99
  • Majestic tip$4.99
  • Monumental tip$8.99
None

GB Grid Ref Compass

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GridPoint GB free?
GridPoint GB is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GB Grid Ref Compass free?
GB Grid Ref Compass costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do GridPoint GB or GB Grid Ref Compass have ads?
Neither GridPoint GB nor GB Grid Ref Compass shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridPoint GB or GB Grid Ref Compass?
GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, and GB Grid Ref Compass every 6 months. Most recently, GridPoint GB was updated on October 9, 2026 and GB Grid Ref Compass on October 11, 2026.

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