# Theodolite vs HeliPlates

The clearest difference is price: HeliPlates at Free against Theodolite's $8.99. HeliPlates also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 8) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Theodolite's advantage is ratings volume (906 vs 3) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 17 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

HeliPlates is free to download; Theodolite costs $8.99 up front. Theodolite sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. HeliPlates asks for nothing beyond the download.

HeliPlates holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Theodolite has 906 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, HeliPlates every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Theodolite | HeliPlates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (906 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliplates/id1262922778/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **906** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 87.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 17 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 0 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Craig Hunter](https://appshunter.io/developer/286743884) | [California Department of Transportation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1193696576) |

## What reviewers say

### Theodolite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theodolite/id339393884)

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

This app combines a compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, and map with augmented reality features. Capture photos and videos with overlaid geographical data, and navigate using detailed offline maps. Share locations and collaborate with others for various outdoor and professional uses.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality viewfinder, Compass and inclinometer, GPS and map navigation, Data-overlay photo/video camera, Offline map support, Rangefinder and nav calculator, Coordinate system support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $0.99 | one-time |
| Team Tracking | $1.99 | one-time |
| World Datum Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| US Mountain Summits AR Layer | $2.99 | one-time |
| 5,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $8.99 | one-time |
| 20,000 Outdoors Map Tiles | $17.99 | one-time |
| US State Plane Coordinates | $24.99 | one-time |


### HeliPlates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliplates/id1262922778)

This app provides detailed information on hospital heliports across California, including navigation coordinates, dimensions, and facility details. Users can view heliports on an interactive map or by hospital name, with aerial photos and approach paths included. Data can be saved for offline access.

**Highlights:** Interactive map of California hospital heliports, Detailed heliport information, Navigational coordinates, Aerial photos with approach paths, Offline data saving, Search by region, county, or hospital name

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Theodolite free?

Theodolite costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is HeliPlates free?

HeliPlates is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Theodolite or HeliPlates?

HeliPlates is rated higher. Theodolite averages 4.7 out of 5 from 906 ratings, while HeliPlates averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Theodolite or HeliPlates have ads?

Neither Theodolite nor HeliPlates shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Theodolite or HeliPlates?

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, and HeliPlates every 17 months. Most recently, Theodolite was updated on November 1, 2026 and HeliPlates on October 31, 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.*