GIS Kit vs Earthmate
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
GIS Kit ships an update every 6 weeks, Earthmate monthly. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.
| Parameter | GIS Kit | Earthmate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.1 (12 ratings) — better | 2.7 (272 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 21.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 12 | 272 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #164 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 44 MB | 92 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Garafa, LLC | Garmin |
Customer experience
GIS Kit
Earthmate
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
GIS Kit
- GIS Pro Upgrade$199.99
Earthmate
No in-app purchases









