# Detector Maps vs Backseat Geologist

The clearest difference is monetization model: Backseat Geologist at free with in-app purchases against Detector Maps's subscription. Backseat Geologist also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (92% vs 73%). Detector Maps's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly) and chart position (#86 vs unranked). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Detector Maps sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Backseat Geologist sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Detector Maps against 4.7 for Backseat Geologist. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 263 and 82 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 73% of Detector Maps's written reviews are positive against 92% of Backseat Geologist's.

Detector Maps ships an update every 6 days, Backseat Geologist fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Detector Maps | Backseat Geologist |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (263 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detector-maps/id6741421159/reviews) | **[4.7 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backseat-geologist/id6746209605/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **263** | 82 |
| Positive reviews | 73.0% of reviews | **92.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#86** | — |
| Size | 115 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GOLD DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788016705) | [Blake Morgan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1815745960) |

## What reviewers say

### Detector Maps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detector-maps/id6741421159)

**Currently charting:** #86 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

This app provides advanced geological data and GPS tools for gold prospecting in Australia, the US, and New Zealand. It offers offline map access, breadcrumb tracking, and waypoint marking to help users explore efficiently and locate potential gold-bearing areas.

**Highlights:** Advanced geological and gold-focused data, Offline map and data layer downloads, Breadcrumb trail tracking (background GPS), Waypoint marking with field notes, Real-time GPS navigation, Historic gold mines and workings layers

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Explorer Plan | $7.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99 | per month |
| Yearly Explorer Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Good maps
- 👍 Extremely handy
- 👍 Helpful information
- 👍 Excellent app
- 👍 Fantastic app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Missing areas
- 🐛 Discrepancies in data
- 🐛 LiDAR not working
- 🔒 Subscription issues

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with subscription and login
- LiDAR not working in certain areas

**Requested features**

- Expand coverage to more areas
- Improve data accuracy and consistency


### Backseat Geologist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backseat-geologist/id6746209605)

This app provides audio explanations of the geology visible from your car. Explore geological features, create custom routes, and learn about earth history on the go. Offline access and adjustable audience settings enhance the learning experience.

**Highlights:** Audio descriptions of geology, Interactive geologic map, Custom route creation, Offline map and data access, Adjustable audience settings, Points of Interest (volcanoes, earthquakes), Background audio playback

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Max Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual | $17.99 | per year |
| Max Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Seward Highway | $4.99 | one-time |
| Moab Utah Route Pack | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Detector Maps free?

Detector Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Backseat Geologist free?

Backseat Geologist is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Detector Maps or Backseat Geologist?

Backseat Geologist is rated higher. Detector Maps averages 4.7 out of 5 from 263 ratings, while Backseat Geologist averages 4.7 from 82 ratings.

### Do Detector Maps or Backseat Geologist have ads?

Detector Maps shows ads; Backseat Geologist does not.

### Which is updated more often, Detector Maps or Backseat Geologist?

Detector Maps ships an update every 6 days, and Backseat Geologist fortnightly. Most recently, Detector Maps was updated on October 25, 2026 and Backseat Geologist on October 25, 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.*