# GIS Kit vs Earthmate

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.

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. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GIS Kit | Earthmate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $99.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.1 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gis-kit/id429688355/reviews)** | [2.7 (272 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **272** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 21.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 44 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Garafa, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/284829377) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### GIS Kit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gis-kit/id429688355)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GIS Pro Upgrade | $199.99 | one-time |


### Earthmate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earthmate/id519247758)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Offline maps
- 📡 Satellite communication
- 💬 Messaging functionality
- 🗺️ Tracking and navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable Bluetooth connectivity
- 🔍 Lacking detailed maps
- 🔑 Login/sync issues
- 🔧 Buggy and unstable
- 🗓️ Frequent app crashes

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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 18, 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.*