Comparison

GridPoint GB vs Grid Ref UK and Ireland

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

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

Pinpoint your exact map reference location in the UK and Ireland. Displays GB and Irish Grid References, along with OSGB36 and WGS84 Latitude/Longitude. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts needing precise location data.

Highlights
  • GB Grid Reference
  • Irish Grid Reference
  • WGS84 Latitude/Longitude
  • OSGB36 Latitude/Longitude
  • Location sharing via Twitter
  • Graphical grid guides
Features
Read full description

Pinpoint your current map reference location anywhere in the United Kingdom or Ireland. App Provides: GB Grid Ref, Irish Grid Ref, OSGB36 and WGS84 Latitude and Longitude values. GB Grid Reference Values are used on Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps in Great Britain (Mainland). Irish National Grid Values are used on Ordnance Survey Ireland and Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) Maps. Grid References will be given to 3 Digits. The Accuracy of Readings, as indicated by your device, will also be shown. Tweet to Share your Location via Twitter! Grid Ref UK and Ireland - Your Grid Reference App! App will operate internationally, but the "Grid Reference" information is intended for use in the British Isles (UK and Republic of Ireland). App includes a graphical guide to the GB and Irish National Grids. Ideally suited for use by walkers, hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is recommended that you should always carry a map and physical compass when on outdoor pursuits. For best results, use in a flat position, not an upright position. Much like a traditional compass. Use in an open space, where possible, away from trees, buildings and sources of interference. The screen can, optionally, be set to stay on, for continued on-screen display of Grid Reference information. Compatible with handsets that feature GPS hardware. You may have to grant the app permission to use this information. -- Ad Supported. Users can opt to Get 10 Figure Grid References and Remove All Ads from the App, via an In-App Purchase.

Screenshots

GridPoint GB4 screens
Grid Ref UK and Ireland4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Grid Ref UK and Ireland at 81% against GridPoint GB's 72%. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. GridPoint GB sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Grid Ref UK and Ireland sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, Grid Ref UK and Ireland every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
GridPoint GB versus Grid Ref UK and Ireland: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGridPoint GBGrid Ref UK and Ireland
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.3 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.3% of reviews81.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 16 monthsEvery 9 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGeorge MacKerronMike Irving

Customer experience

GridPoint GB

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

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive81.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative19.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

GridPoint GB

One-time3
  • Magnificent tip$2.99
  • Majestic tip$4.99
  • Monumental tip$8.99
1 purchases

Grid Ref UK and Ireland

One-time1
  • 10 Figure Grid Refs, no ads$0.99

Questions

Is GridPoint GB free?
GridPoint GB is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Grid Ref UK and Ireland free?
Grid Ref UK and Ireland is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GridPoint GB or Grid Ref UK and Ireland have ads?
Neither GridPoint GB nor Grid Ref UK and Ireland shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GridPoint GB or Grid Ref UK and Ireland?
GridPoint GB ships an update every 16 months, and Grid Ref UK and Ireland every 9 months. Most recently, GridPoint GB was updated on October 23, 2026 and Grid Ref UK and Ireland on October 20, 2026.

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