Comparison

GIS Kit vs Earthmate

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

Head to head
About

GIS Kit

This app provides powerful mobile mapping and field data collection for iPhone and iPad. It allows users to view and collect geographic data offline, import various file formats, and organize information by projects and layers. It's designed for professional use without requiring desktop software or prior GIS training.

Highlights
  • Offline mapping and data collection
  • Import Shapefiles, KML/KMZ
  • Collect point, line, and polygon features
  • Customizable attribute fields
  • Project and layer organization
  • Wireless data import/export
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Premier field collection and data viewer for iPhone and iPad. - No desktop GIS software required. - No prior GIS training required. - Completely offline capable. - Cache (download) open source topographic maps, street maps and satellite imagery straight from device. - Import ESRI Shapefiles and KML/KMZ files including attributes. - Attribute fields include: Alphanumeric (Description), Photos, numerical values, user defined list of values, addresses, websites, date & time, telephone number, check box. - Easily collect new point, line, and polygon features in the field by GPS or drawing manually. - Enter attribute values for each feature and/or add new attribute types at time of collection. - Create templates of user defined feature classes with custom attributes. - Comes loaded with numerous example feature templates for professional use in Forestry, Wetland Delineation, Stream Surveys, and Real Estate. - Import and export data wirelessly by email. Larger data sets can be imported/exported by connecting to any computer with itunes. - Organize by projects and layers - Best-in-class performance. Check our website to see videos, documentation and more information about the "Pro" version. Please note that all the features of the GIS Pro version (such as Shapefile export) are available through in-app purchase in this app as well. For Businesses: Please note that a separate license is required for each user or each device that is used by multiple users. See http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/us/terms.html for details. Also see http://www.apple.com/business/vpp for information on purchasing in volume. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

About

Earthmate

Connect your satellite communicator to your mobile device for text messaging, navigation, and trip planning. Access offline maps, track your location, and share your adventures globally. Stay connected and safe on any outdoor expedition.

Highlights
  • Send/receive text messages
  • Offline topographic maps
  • Waypoint and route navigation
  • Tracking and location sharing
  • Trip logging and planning
  • Cloud storage for trips
  • Control inReach device features
Read full description

Pair your inReach® satellite communication device with the Earthmate® app to get all the features you need to send and receive text messages, navigate and stay connected during your outdoor adventures. It’s perfect for planning, tracking and sharing your trip anywhere around the globe. This Garmin application lets you access¹: • Unlimited topographic maps that you can cache on your device and store for offline use, including topographic maps and quad sheets • Aerial imagery • Hybrid maps • Waypoints and route navigation • Tracking and location sharing • High-detail GPS trip logging • Unlimited cloud storage of routes, waypoints and tracks • Online trip planning • Control and access all the features of your inReach device from the app: send 2-way custom or preset text and email messages, trigger an SOS from anywhere in the world, track your location and more By pairing your mobile device (via Bluetooth® technology) with inReach, the Earthmate app turns your mobile device into a true satellite communication, GPS navigation and safety tool. To access the 100% global Iridium® satellite network for live tracking and messaging – including SOS capabilities – from the Earthmate app, an inReach device with active satellite subscription is required. You can plan your adventures from your account on the Garmin Explore™ website, wirelessly sync them to your smartphone or tablet, and then save all your trip data and maps with unlimited cloud storage. With the use of the LiveTrack™ feature, loved ones can follow your location in real time² and see data such as distance, time and elevation. Learn more about inReach devices and technology at www.garmin.com/inreach. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Don't forget to stop tracking. ¹Access varies by model. ²When used with your compatible smartphone and the Earthmate® app or when used with your compatible inReach-enabled Garmin device.

Screenshots

GIS Kit4 screens
Earthmate4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Earthmate at Free against GIS Kit's $99.99. Earthmate also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (272 vs 12). GIS Kit's advantage is rating (4.1 vs 2.7) and review sentiment (50% vs 22%). On update cadence, 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

Earthmate is free to download; GIS Kit costs $99.99 up front. GIS Kit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Earthmate asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GIS Kit holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Earthmate has 272 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of GIS Kit's written reviews are positive against 22% of Earthmate's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GIS Kit ships an update every 6 weeks, Earthmate monthly. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
GIS Kit versus Earthmate: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGIS KitEarthmate
Price$99.99Free — better
Rating4.1 (12 ratings) — better2.7 (272 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews — better21.6% of reviews
Number of ratings12272 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#164 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB92 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperGarafa, LLCGarmin

Customer experience

GIS Kit

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews46 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral13.0%
Negative37.0%

Earthmate

All ratings272 ratings
Positive33.1%
Neutral15.1%
Negative51.8%
Written reviews153 reviews
Positive21.6%
Neutral19.0%
Negative59.5%

Bugs and requests

GIS Kit

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Earthmate

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Invisible text fields
  • Disappearing waypoints and tracks
  • Inability to send preset messages from app
  • Incorrect wind speed display
  • Broken map downloads

Requested features

5 requests
  • Apple Watch integration
  • Customizable preset messages
  • Improved map detail and customization
  • Seamless sync between app and device
  • Frequent message check intervals

In-app purchases

1 purchases

GIS Kit

One-time1
  • GIS Pro Upgrade$199.99
None

Earthmate

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GIS Kit free?
GIS Kit costs $99.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Earthmate free?
Earthmate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GIS Kit or Earthmate?
GIS Kit is rated higher. GIS Kit averages 4.1 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Earthmate averages 2.7 from 272 ratings.
Do GIS Kit or Earthmate have ads?
Neither GIS Kit nor Earthmate shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GIS Kit or Earthmate?
GIS Kit ships an update every 6 weeks, and Earthmate monthly. Most recently, GIS Kit was updated on October 17, 2026 and Earthmate on October 17, 2026.

Other comparisons