Comparison

Theodolite vs iTAK

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

Head to head
About

Theodolite

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
Read full description

Theodolite is a multi-function viewfinder that combines a compass, two-axis inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, map, nav calculator, and geo-overlay photo/movie camera into one indispensable app. Theodolite was one of the very first augmented reality (AR) apps when it was released in 2009, and it’s been downloaded and used by millions of customers since then. Uses are endless, and the app is great for land measurements, outdoor sports, sightseeing, navigation, and finding your way around. Theodolite is a pro grade app and is used extensively by surveyors, geologists, architects, engineers, competitive sportsmen, first responders, military personnel, and search and rescue workers around the world. Theodolite lets you take data-overlay photos and movies with 2X-8X zoom. Overlay geographical data, angle markings, date/time, author/company info, and project notes directly on photos and movies for later reference. The same data is written into the metadata record of images, making image files self-contained data records. Third-party apps can tap into Theodolite's advanced camera functions with a camera sharing feature. View current position on the built-in map with optional offline Outdoors maps that include topo contours, roads, trails, landmarks, campgrounds, ski lifts, and more. Live map markers continually update distance/heading relative to the current location and also show wayfinding info in the main viewfinder. Draw polygons on the map to mark things like property boundaries and trails, and import/export polygon data via KML. Share map markers and nav calculator points with other users of Theodolite via text messages or e-mail. This powerful capability opens up a wide range of collaborative uses including team land surveying, accident investigations, spotting wild fires, triangulation of landmarks, and advanced tactical observation and targeting. With an optional in-app purchase to enable team tracking, you can share location with up to 20 people on Theodolite's map. Theodolite includes features for serious users like a reference angle mode, nav calculator, map marker import/export, manual and automatic data logging with CSV and KML export, clipboard integration, %grade display, mil compass readout, optical rangefinders (including a mil-based reticle, sniper-style stadiametric graphs, and a variable 4X-24X scope), and night filters to improve use in dark conditions. Theodolite can provide location in military grid reference system (MGRS) coordinates, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, British/Irish National Grids, US National Grid, Maidenhead locator system, Map Grid of Australia, and six latitude/longitude formats. Optional US State Plane coordinates include SPCS27 and SPCS83 zones covering all US States. The optional Datum Pack adds over 230 geodetic datums to the app to improve position computation from GPS data, covering regions and countries on all continents around the world. AR Layers include navigational aids like the sun, moon, planets, and Polaris (North star), and the optional US Mountain Summits layer that shows over 70,000 US mountain summits in the viewfinder. Theodolite has been shown in Apple Keynotes, featured on the App Store, and has been a #1 selling Navigation app in App Stores around the world. Since its introduction in 2009, Theodolite has defined augmented reality navigation. The app continually introduces new technologies, pushing the limits of iOS app development and taking advantage of new hardware capabilities. Find out why Apple named Theodolite one of the most amazing apps available and showed it being used to explore the Great Wall of China. Where will you take it on your next adventure? Note: Theodolite is an iPhone app -- see “Theodolite HD” for use on an iPad. And be sure to check out the all-new "Theodolite for Watch" and put Theodolite on your wrist!

About

iTAK

This app provides real-time collaborative mapping and team tracking. Share locations, sensor data, videos, and chat with your team. Supports online and offline mapping with various data formats.

Highlights
  • Real-time team tracking
  • Collaborative mapping
  • Online and offline mapping
  • KML/KMZ/GeoPDF overlay import
  • Chat and file sharing
  • Live video streaming
  • Navigation tools
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

**Compatible with ALL TAK ecosystem (TAK server, WinTAK, ATAK, WebTAK)** The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) (known as the Tactical Assault Kit in the Department of Defense) application: iTAK is a collaborative geospatial application to see your teams’ locations, sensor information, videos, chat, and more in real-time. iTAK supports Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial sector standards for icons, sensor information, and communication. Data can be pre-loaded into iTAK or downloaded from the network (via TAK Server) when available. iTAK capabilities include: • Online and offline mapping (most standard formats), download the maps right in the app • Blue force / team tracking (BFT) • Collaborative mapping, including points, drawings, locations of interest • Import and display of KML, KMZ, GeoPDF overlays • Location marking, sharing, with photo tagging • Chat, file sharing, photo sharing • Live video streaming with the ability to share video links • Spotted map to mark and share multiple locations across your map • Digital pointer to rapidly mark and share items on the map with your team • Navigation-walking/hiking, driving, also useful flying and air-ground coordination • Center on self or other objects (e.g. another person in the network) • Range, bearing measurement tools • Team Emergency Beacons • Customizable toolbar • 3D perspective • All data is secured and fully compatibility with the TAK ecosystem (ATAK, TAK Server, WinTAK) • Useful for law enforcement, first responders, hunting, fishing, ornithology, wildlife site survey System Requirements Operating System: iOS version 17 and later.

Screenshots

Theodolite4 screens
iTAK4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Theodolite at 88% against iTAK's 41%. Theodolite also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.6) and chart position (#7 vs #188). iTAK's advantage is price (Free vs $8.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). On 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

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Theodolite holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Theodolite has 902 ratings behind it against 155, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Theodolite's written reviews are positive against 41% of iTAK's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, iTAK every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
Theodolite versus iTAK: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTheodoliteiTAK
Price$8.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (902 ratings) — better3.6 (155 ratings)
Positive reviews87.8% of reviews — better41.4% of reviews
Number of ratings902 — better155
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#7 — better#188
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB276 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCraig HunterUnited States Department of the Army, TAK Product Center

Customer experience

Theodolite

All ratings902 ratings
Positive92.8%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.3%
Written reviews476 reviews
Positive87.8%
Neutral4.8%
Negative7.4%

iTAK

All ratings155 ratings
Positive56.8%
Neutral19.4%
Negative23.9%
Written reviews99 reviews
Positive41.4%
Neutral28.3%
Negative30.3%

Bugs and requests

Theodolite

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

iTAK

Reported bugs

23 issues
  • App crashes when exporting data packages
  • App crashes when uploading files with local data
  • App crashes when importing overlays
  • App crashes when changing map types
  • App crashes when creating missions
Show 18 more
  • App freezes when handling large numbers of objects (15+)
  • Indoor mapping causes app shutdown
  • Markers disappear on app reopening
  • Markers don't sync deletion status with ATAK users
  • HTTP video stream links don't work
  • Mesh network mode not functioning properly
  • Settings reset to defaults on restart
  • Toolbar disappears randomly
  • Notification badges don't clear properly
  • Unable to rename points of interest
  • Duplicate server entries appear
  • Unexpected shutdowns and crashes
  • Connection failures to TAK servers
  • Message notifications not appearing on iPhone
  • App won't launch after deletion/reinstallation
  • Data Sync broken in version 2.10.1
  • Overlay import causes instant crash
  • Markers become invisible with ArcGIS updates

Requested features

23 requests
  • Meshtastic and LoRa device support
  • GRG (Grid Reference Graphic) functionality
  • Mesh network integration (GoTenna, Beartooth)
  • Plugin support system
  • Google Maps or alternative map providers
Show 18 more
  • Offline map download capability
  • Angular measurement unit conversion (degrees to mil)
  • Nautical miles unit of measurement
  • Video stream support (HTTP/RTSP)
  • CASEVAC calling functionality
  • Polar plot tool
  • Data package import from Android ATAK
  • Bluetooth radio integration
  • Apple Watch companion app
  • Ability to edit and delete toolbar items
  • True/Magnetic bearing distinction
  • Point dragging and repositioning
  • Contact/team management system
  • Mission creation and editing
  • Windows TAK Server version
  • Improved notification system
  • Chinese language support
  • Better documentation and tutorials

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Theodolite

One-time8
  • 1,000 Outdoors Map Tiles$0.99
  • Team Tracking$1.99
  • World Datum Pack$2.99
Show 5 more
  • US Mountain Summits AR Layer$2.99
  • 5,000 Outdoors Map Tiles$4.99
  • 10,000 Outdoors Map Tiles$8.99
  • 20,000 Outdoors Map Tiles$17.99
  • US State Plane Coordinates$24.99
None

iTAK

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Theodolite free?
Theodolite costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is iTAK free?
iTAK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Theodolite or iTAK?
Theodolite is rated higher. Theodolite averages 4.7 out of 5 from 902 ratings, while iTAK averages 3.6 from 155 ratings.
Do Theodolite or iTAK have ads?
Neither Theodolite nor iTAK shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Theodolite or iTAK?
Theodolite ships an update every 4 months, and iTAK every 3 weeks. Most recently, Theodolite was updated on September 30, 2026 and iTAK on September 28, 2026.
Which is more popular, Theodolite or iTAK?
Theodolite currently peaks at #7 in the App Store charts, and iTAK at #188. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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