Topo Fire vs MCG Maps
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Topo Fire
This app provides wildland firefighters with essential mapping tools and resources for incident response. It offers shared incident maps, various map layers, and navigation aids, all accessible on mobile devices and Apple Watch.
- Shared incident maps with live location
- Multiple map layers (USGS, Forest Service, etc.)
- Drawing and waypoint tools
- Proximity alerts
- Apple Watch integration
- Cloud sync across devices
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Topo Fire is packed with the maps & tools every Wildland Firefighter needs. ‣‣ FREE Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) ‣ Easily accessible right on your phone. ‣ Change font size. ‣ Change color scheme. ‣‣ SHARED INCIDENT MAP ‣ Create a new map for each incident. ‣ Share that map with your teammates. ‣ Add NWCG & ICS Symbols to the map. ‣ Live location sharing. ‣‣ MAPS ‣ US National Map ‣ USGS Topo Map ‣ US Forest Service ‣ Natural Resource Canada Topo Map ‣ Thunderforest ‣ AccuTerra maps ‣ ESRI Maps ‣‣ MAP OVERLAYS ‣ Elevation ‣ Slope ‣ Grid ‣ Distance Rings ‣ Hill Shading ‣ Private Land (US) ‣ Public Land (US) ‣‣ TOOLS ‣ Import geoPDF© ‣ Add Lines, Waypoints, & Polygons ‣ Share map data ‣ Import & Export Map Data ‣ Proximity Alerts ‣ Print Maps ‣ Guide Me ‣‣ APPLE WATCH ‣ Download maps directly to the watch ‣ Pan and zoom the map just like on the phone ‣ Drop a waypoint ‣ Record a track and see all of your stats ‣‣ CLOUD Sync your lines, polygons, waypoints, incidents, & subscriptions between all of your iOS and Mac devices. SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT INFORMATION Topo Fire subscriptions will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase and/or completion of free trial. Subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the free trial or current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your account settings on the App Store after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://topofire.com/privacy Terms of Service: https://topofire.com/tos Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
MCG Maps
This offline mapping application allows users to import georeferenced PDF incident maps and view their real-time location on them. It provides tools to add, organize, and share field information, including markers with descriptions and photos, all without requiring an internet connection.
- Import georeferenced PDF incident maps
- View real-time location on map
- Add markers with descriptions and photos
- Integrated compass for orientation
- Coordinate viewing and sharing (DD, DDM, DMS)
- Offline map and data functionality
- Import/export GeoJSON, KML, KMZ formats
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MCG Maps is a simple, offline-first mapping app built for firefighters, by a firefighter. Import your incident GeoPDF and take it into the field. MCG Maps shows your location directly on the map and gives you the tools you need to add, organize, and share field information without turning your map into a full GIS project. Built for the fireline • Import georeferenced PDF incident maps • See your location directly on the operational map • Use an integrated compass for orientation • Add Markers using your current location, manual map placement, or entered coordinates • Add descriptions and photos to Markers • View coordinates in Decimal Degrees (DD), Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM), or Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) • Copy and share Marker coordinates • Move, edit, organize, and share Markers • Share maps with or without your Markers • Exchange MCG Maps packages with other MCG Maps users • Import and export common geographic formats including GeoJSON, KML, and KMZ • Keep multiple maps organized by Fire • Work with your maps and field data offline Simple by design MCG Maps is intended to make the common field workflow fast: open the incident map, see where you are, and mark what matters. There are no ads, no account requirement, and no subscription required to use MCG Maps. Your Fires, maps, Markers, photos, and other operational data are stored locally on your device. MCG Maps includes an optional tip jar for users who want to support continued development. Tipping is completely voluntary and unlocks no additional functionality. Mission Critical Guidance
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: MCG Maps at 5.0 against Topo Fire's 4.5. MCG Maps also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Topo Fire's advantage is ratings volume (11 vs 2) and device support (5 vs 2). On price and ads 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
Both are free to download. Topo Fire sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $59.99 per year. MCG Maps asks for nothing beyond the download.
MCG Maps holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Topo Fire has 11 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
| Parameter | Topo Fire | MCG Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (11 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | 11 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Weekly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 185 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Glacier Peak Studios LLC | Mission Critical Guidance LLC |
In-app purchases
Topo Fire
- Topo Fire Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
MCG Maps
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Topo Fire free?
Is MCG Maps free?
Which has better reviews, Topo Fire or MCG Maps?
Do Topo Fire or MCG Maps have ads?
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