GB Grid Ref Compass vs Float
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GB Grid Ref Compass
This app displays your current location on a map of Great Britain, providing your GB Grid Reference, compass bearing, and latitude/longitude. It also shows GPS accuracy and includes a guide to the National Grid system. Location data can be shared via text, email, or tweet.
- GB Grid Reference (Ordnance Survey)
- Compass Bearing
- Latitude and Longitude (OSGB36 & WGS84)
- GPS Accuracy Display
- National Grid graphical guide
- Location sharing (SMS, Email, Tweet)
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Find out your current location on a GB Map, whilst in Great Britain. This app will give you your GB Grid Ref (Ordnance Survey / OS Grid Reference), along with a Compass Bearing and Latitude and Longitude values in both OSGB36 and WGS84 formats. The accuracy of the Device GPS signal will also be shown. Includes a handy graphical guide to the "National Grid" system. Whilst the app will work worldwide, the values given will only be of use within the United Kingdom. Ideal for use on walks. Always carry a map and physical compass in addition to your iPhone. For the best accuracy, use in an open space, away from trees or hill edges. Like a traditional compass, use with the phone in a flat position, not upright. When continued usage is required, you can set the iPhone Screen to stay on indefinitely, from the Settings tab. Send or Share your location information in a Text Message (or iMessage), Email or Tweet* This app requires Location Services to be enabled in your iPhone, and you must grant permission to the app to use these. Compatible with iPhone. Not compatible with iPod Touch, or (non-cellular) iPads, due to the lack of GPS and Compass hardware. * - Internet Connection, and correctly configured Text Message (or iMessage), Email and / or Twitter settings, required to fulfil. -- A sister app is now available for use in Ireland. Please search for Irish Grid Ref Compass.
Float
Log your canal and river journeys with this open-source app. Track mooring locations, calculate miles traveled, and record your stops throughout the year. All data is securely saved and can be exported for proof of your travels.
- Track mooring locations
- Log journey stops
- Calculate miles covered
- Set current location as Home
- Secure data saving
- Export travel data
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Float is a free, open-source app for canal boaters. Track every mooring along your journey, see exactly how long you've been at your current spot, get notified before the 14-day CRT limit runs out, and keep an eye on waterway closures ahead. Built with continuous cruisers in mind. What you can do with Float • See where you are and how long you've been there. The 14-day tracker shows days remaining at a glance — green when you have time, amber as you approach the limit, red when it's time to move. • Get reminders before time runs out. Push notifications arrive 4, 2, 1, and 0 days before the 14-day deadline so you can plan your move calmly instead of in a rush. • Log every mooring along the way. Each stop captures the date, GPS coordinates, name, and any notes you want to add — your full journey, on a map. • Set a home mooring you can always navigate back to. • Review your travels. Total miles covered, number of stops, and date ranges — useful as evidence of continuous cruising for CRT compliance. • Use the map. Every mooring you've logged appears on the map, with dark mode for late-night planning. • See waterway closures ahead. The Notices tab pulls CRT stoppages, restrictions and advisories directly into the app — filter to what's near you, on a live map, updated hourly. Privacy • Your data is yours. Float stores your moorings in your own private account — no one else can see them. • No ads. No tracking. No selling your location to anyone. • Open source. Every line of code is public on GitHub. Built by boaters, for boaters.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Float at Free against GB Grid Ref Compass's $0.99. Float also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). GB Grid Ref Compass's advantage is iOS requirement (7.1 vs 17.0). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Float is free to download; GB Grid Ref Compass costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
GB Grid Ref Compass ships an update every 6 months, Float monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GB Grid Ref Compass | Float |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 78.8% of reviews — better | 75.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 7.1 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mike Irving | ALESSANDRO BORELLI |
Customer experience
GB Grid Ref Compass
Float
In-app purchases
GB Grid Ref Compass
No in-app purchases
Float
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is GB Grid Ref Compass free?
Is Float free?
Do GB Grid Ref Compass or Float have ads?
Which is updated more often, GB Grid Ref Compass or Float?
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