Comparison

Theodolite HD vs Coordinates

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

Head to head
About

Theodolite HD

This app combines a compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, and map for augmented reality navigation. It allows users to capture data-overlay photos and videos, view positions on a map with offline options, and share location data with others. It's designed for professional use and outdoor activities.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality viewfinder
  • Compass and inclinometer
  • GPS and map with offline options
  • Data-overlay photo/video camera
  • Rangefinder and nav calculator
  • Location sharing and team tracking
Read full description

Theodolite HD 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 HD is an iPad app -- see the regular “Theodolite” app for use on an iPhone or iPod Touch. And be sure to check out the all-new "Theodolite for Watch" and put Theodolite on your wrist!

About

Coordinates

This app is a versatile tool for converting and managing geographic coordinates. It supports numerous global formats and datums, allowing users to view, input, and save locations with rich details. Ideal for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts needing precise location data.

Highlights
  • Coordinate conversion (UTM, MGRS, Georef, etc.)
  • Batch conversion of multiple coordinates
  • Add notes, photos, and media to saved locations
  • Datum conversion with PROJ.4 support
  • Real-time navigation and tracking
  • Offline map tile downloads
  • Import/export GPX, GeoJSON, KML files
Features
Read full description

Coordinates is a powerful and user-friendly tool for anyone working with geographic locations — from travelers and surveyors to engineers and GIS professionals. Instantly view, convert, and manage coordinates in a wide range of global formats and datums, all within a clean and intuitive interface. Whether in the field or at the desk, Coordinates is your all-in-one solution for precise location work. # User-friendly Design Your current location is displayed at the intersection of two grey lines, with clear latitude and longitude readouts. You can manually set the location using map taps, coordinate input, or place search. Intuitive buttons give quick access to measurement tools, map layers, location bookmarking, shape drawing, and annotation — all from a clean, compact interface. # Various Coordinate Formats Supports formats like UTM, MGRS, Georef, and more alongside Longitude/Latitude. # Batch Converter Quickly convert multiple coordinates or files in one streamlined action. # Rich Object Details Add notes, photos, and media to any saved object — pins, shapes, or measurements — to keep your data organized and context-rich. Easily share your saved content across devices using backup and export tools. # Datum Conversion Transform coordinates using EPSG, ESRI, and IAU2000 references. Supports X/Y, geodetic, and projected systems. # PROJ.4 Calculator Convert coordinates between systems using the PROJ.4 library, with support for datum shifting and custom projections. # Navigation & Tracking Real-time bearing and distance updates are provided with a large coordinate readout, ideal for on-the-field usage. # Speedometer Track your current speed in real time. # Unit Converter Convert 40+ units (distance, pressure, radiation, etc.) # Signal Board Send big bold messages on-screen # Elevation Support Altitude data is available for land areas # Import / Export - .gpx .geojson .kml file supported # Distance, Bearing & Area Mark points or draw lines to measure distance, bearings, and area. # Offline Map Tiles Download tiles for offline use. Pick a city or define your own area. # Custom Map Tile Selector Choose from Apple Maps, OSM, or add your own tile server with {z}/{x}/{y} format. # Supported Input / Output # Latitude and Longitude DD/DM/DMS Standard UTM NATO UTM MGRS / USNG Georef QTH Locator / Maidenhead (WGS84) World Mercator (WGS84) Web Mercator Geohash what3words Global Area Reference System (GARS) Ordnance Survey National Grid [BNG] OSGB36 ISO 6709 Natural Area Code Irish Grid Reference / Coordinates Plus Code (Open Location Code) Mapcode Dutch Grid ECEF Indian Kalianpur 1975 Open Postcode Geohash-36 Guatemala GTM RT90 SWEREF99 Indian 1975 QND95 / Qatar National Grid IRENET95 / Irish Transverse Mercator KOSOVAREF01 HD 72 / EOV Kertau (RSO) / RSO Malaya Timbalai 1948 / RSO Borneo EST97 Estonian 1997 LKS92 / Latvia TM NZGD49 NZGD2000 CH1903/+ GGRS87 ETRS89-extended / LAEA Europe NTF (Paris) / Lambert zone II French DFCI Grid ARINC 424 FMS ARC1950 Pulkovo 1942 / SK42 PZ-90 H3 Placekey GDM2000 JGD2011 KUDAMS/KTM World Magnetic Model / WMM 2015v2 PRS92 / Philippines Search by name Photo metadata Proj.4 formats Street Address # Subscriptions # “Coordinates – GPS Converter” including most of its features, is completely FREE to use. You can subscribe to this application to remove ads Price may vary by location. Payment for subscriptions will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Subscriptions may be managed by going to your iTunes Account Settings after purchase or by clicking the “Purchase / Manage Subscription. Auto-renewal may be turned off by going to Account Settings after purchase. Subscription cannot be cancelled during the active subscription period Privacy policy: https://mapnitude.com/privacy-policy Terms of use: https://mapnitude.com/terms-of-service

Screenshots

Coordinates4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Coordinates at Free against Theodolite HD's $8.99. Coordinates also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (6.8K vs 136). Theodolite HD's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (91% vs 64%). On rating, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement 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

Coordinates is free to download; Theodolite HD costs $8.99 up front. Theodolite HD sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Coordinates sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Theodolite HD against 4.6 for Coordinates. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Coordinates has 6.8K ratings behind it against 136, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 91% of Theodolite HD's written reviews are positive against 64% of Coordinates's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Theodolite HD ships an update every 4 months, Coordinates monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Theodolite HD versus Coordinates: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTheodolite HDCoordinates
Price$8.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (136 ratings) — better4.6 (6.8K ratings)
Positive reviews91.4% of reviews — better63.6% of reviews
Number of ratings1366.8K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB107 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCraig HunterMapnitude Company Limited

Customer experience

Theodolite HD

All ratings136 ratings
Positive94.1%
Neutral2.2%
Negative3.7%
Written reviews185 reviews
Positive91.4%
Neutral3.2%
Negative5.4%

Coordinates

All ratings6,716 ratings
Positive91.6%
Neutral4.3%
Negative4.1%
Written reviews176 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral9.1%
Negative27.3%

User reviews

Theodolite HD

From 136 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 🔍 Accurate measurements and data
  • 📷 Useful photo documentation features
  • 🧭 Versatile for various applications
  • 🏫 Great for educational and teaching purposes

Room to improve

  • 🔍 Occasional compass/sensor accuracy issues
  • 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for maps and features
  • 📱 Separate iPhone and iPad versions require double purchase
  • 🔄 Lack of screen rotation support on some devices

Coordinates

From 6.8K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Accurate location finding
  • 👍 Simple and easy to use
  • 💡 Supports multiple coordinate formats
  • 🚀 Works well overseas
  • 👍 Helpful for environmental research

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 💰 Expensive subscription to remove ads
  • 🤔 Confusing or unintuitive user interface
  • 🔍 Difficulty finding small locations
  • 🙄 Ads covering important information

Bugs and requests

Theodolite HD

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Occasional crashes or freezes, especially on older devices
  • Camera orientation issues on some devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add option to set elevation angle to 0 degrees horizontal
  • Implement cross-device sync and data sharing
  • Expand map coverage and reduce in-app purchase costs
  • Add support for more camera features like video recording

Coordinates

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Coordinate display issues (e.g., UTM showing incorrect hemisphere)
  • App crashing or freezing on launch
  • Inability to delete drawn lines or markers
  • Coordinate conversion not working as expected
  • Compatibility issues with newer iPhone models

Requested features

6 requests
  • Navigation and routing functionality
  • Support for What3Words coordinate system
  • Option to set preferred coordinate format as default
  • Ability to enter addresses or intersections to get coordinates
  • Add altitude information to saved locations
Show 1 more
  • Offline mode for areas without cellular coverage

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Theodolite HD

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
6 purchases

Coordinates

Subscriptions6
  • Plus Upgrade$1.991 Month
  • Plus Upgrade$2.991 Month
  • Plus Upgrade$9.996 Months
Show 3 more
  • Plus Upgrade$15.996 Months
  • Plus Upgrade$17.991 Year
  • Plus Upgrade$28.991 Year

Questions

Is Theodolite HD free?
Theodolite HD costs $8.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Coordinates free?
Coordinates is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Theodolite HD or Coordinates?
Theodolite HD is rated higher. Theodolite HD averages 4.7 out of 5 from 136 ratings, while Coordinates averages 4.6 from 6.8K ratings.
Do Theodolite HD or Coordinates have ads?
Coordinates shows ads; Theodolite HD does not.
Which is updated more often, Theodolite HD or Coordinates?
Theodolite HD ships an update every 4 months, and Coordinates monthly. Most recently, Theodolite HD was updated on November 1, 2026 and Coordinates on November 10, 2026.

Other comparisons