# Scenic Map vs Map Data Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Scenic Map at 67% against Map Data Explorer's 0%. Scenic Map also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.0) and monetization model (free vs freemium). Map Data Explorer's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Scenic Map sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Map Data Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scenic Map holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Scenic Map's written reviews are positive against 0% of Map Data Explorer's.

Scenic Map ships an update every 3 months, Map Data Explorer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scenic Map | Map Data Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map/id629666111/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 66 MB | 138 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GrangerFX](https://appshunter.io/developer/363698835) | [Tech Maven GeoSpatial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459067502) |

## What reviewers say

### Scenic Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scenic-map/id629666111)

Explore the world with detailed 3D topographic maps, accessible even offline. Stream and cache global maps for use without cell service. Features include satellite overlays, customizable map styles, and GPS tracking for navigation and route replay.

**Highlights:** Global 3D topographic maps, Offline map caching, Satellite image overlays, Customizable map styles, GPS tracking and route replay, GPX track import/export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scenic Map Features | $4.99 | one-time |


### Map Data Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/map-data-explorer/id1591995115)

This advanced mapping application supports various data formats including GeoJSON, MBTILES, and GPKG. It offers tools for drawing, editing vector data, and collecting dynamic information. Visualize terrain in 3D and utilize a suite of navigation and measurement features.

**Highlights:** Vector tile basemaps, User-loaded GeoJSON, MBTILES, GPKG data, Map catalog support, Vector data drawing and editing, 3D terrain and building visualization, Advanced data collection forms, Coordinate conversion and measurement tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TMG Elevate API | $4.99 | per year |
| Map Data Explorer Subscription | $4.99 | per year |
| TMG Vector Conversion API | $14.99 | per year |
| MapBox RGB PNG Elevation Tiles | $24.99 | per year |
| GeoRequest Area of Interest | $99.99 | per year |
| Pre-Staged Data Downloading | $199.99 | per year |
| Tile Downloader Module | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scenic Map free?

Scenic Map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Map Data Explorer free?

Map Data Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Scenic Map or Map Data Explorer?

Scenic Map is rated higher. Scenic Map averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Map Data Explorer averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Scenic Map or Map Data Explorer have ads?

Neither Scenic Map nor Map Data Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scenic Map or Map Data Explorer?

Scenic Map ships an update every 3 months, and Map Data Explorer every 2 months. Most recently, Scenic Map was updated on October 18, 2026 and Map Data Explorer on October 3, 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.*