Comparison

Detector Maps vs Shutl Mapper

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Detector Maps

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
Read full description

Detector Maps is the field tool that keeps you on the gold - and on the relics. Built by geologists for prospectors, relic hunters and metal detectorists across the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, it pairs geological data and historical maps with rock-solid GPS so you spend your time on high-potential ground, not guessing. Whether you are swinging a detector for gold nuggets, coin shooting an old homestead, hunting Civil War relics or panning a creek, it puts serious research intelligence in your pocket - and it works offline, where the finds actually are. COIN & RELIC HUNTING - NATIONWIDE Research old towns, ghost towns, homesteads, schoolhouses and long-forgotten gathering places - the ground where old coins, buttons, buckles and relics are still waiting. - Historical map overlays: hunt the buildings, roads and fields the modern map forgot - Historic USGS Topo maps, coast to coast - LiDAR that reveals cellar holes, old roads and house sites hiding under the trees - Plan permissions with confidence before you knock GOLD PROSPECTING - 15 STATES Serious geology for nugget hunting, from California to the Carolinas. Detect where gold has already been found, then find what the old-timers missed. - Historic gold mines, diggings and workings - proven gold ground - Surface geochemistry with pathfinder-element filtering - Current and expired mining claims, updated every weekday - 1-metre LiDAR hillshade that reveals old workings worth a closer swing DETECTOR ACADEMY A built-in crash course: 34 short video lessons, most under a minute - layers, LiDAR, waypoints, trails, offline maps and Pro tools. DETECTOR GRIDS Plan complete, methodical coverage of a site with adjustable search lanes you follow while recording your trail - never grid the same ground twice. BREADCRUMB TRAIL TRACKING (BACKGROUND GPS) Record your exact trail even with the app in the background or the screen off. See where you have walked and save paths for the next trip. WHY WE REQUEST "ALLOW ALL THE TIME" LOCATION ACCESS Detector Maps only uses background location when you switch breadcrumb tracking ON, keeping an unbroken log while your phone is idle. Disable it anytime in the app or device settings. WAYPOINT MARKING AND FIND LOGGING Drop waypoints on coins, relics, gold finds and old workings. Add names, notes and photos, then sync securely between your phone and the web app so your finds are never lost. REAL-TIME GPS NAVIGATION Watch boundaries, geology, historical maps and terrain update around you as you move - a GPS built for prospecting, coin shooting and relic hunting. COVERAGE USA COIN & RELIC: Nationwide USA GOLD: CA, AL, NC, AZ, NV, ID, OR, UT, CO, MT, WA, SC, VA, GA, NM AUSTRALIA: QLD, NSW, VIC, WA, SA, TAS, NT NEW ZEALAND: historic goldfields, geology and offline maps CANADA: British Columbia SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION All plans include every map, standard data layers, offline downloads, and access to Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada (BC) and the UK. USA Pricing - Explorer Monthly: $7.99 USD; Explorer Yearly: $59.99; Pro Monthly: $11.99 USD; Pro Yearly: $99.99 USD. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Pricing may vary by region. PRIVACY AND DATA Your location, trails and waypoints are used only for core app functionality. Delete your account anytime: Profile > Delete Account > type "confirm" > tap Delete. Privacy Policy: https://app.detectormaps.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use (EULA): https://app.detectormaps.com/license-agreement Whether you swing a GPX 6000, an Equinox, a Manticore, a Deus or a Gold Monster - or a sluice or a pan - Detector Maps helps you cover more ground, log your best finds, and read productive terrain like a professional.

About

Shutl Mapper

Features
Read full description

When disaster strikes, connectivity fails. Shult Mapper doesn't. Built from the ground up for emergency services and disaster recovery teams, Shult Map is the field operations tool that works when everything else goes dark. Log incidents, track assets, record GPS trails, and manage tasks—all without relying on a cell signal. WHY Shutl Mapper? Offline-First Architecture Every feature works offline. Period. Your data is stored locally and syncs automatically when connectivity returns. No more losing critical field data because you hit a dead zone. Real-Time Incident Logging Document incidents instantly with photos, videos, GPS coordinates, and detailed categorization. Severity levels, status updates, and grid references (MGA/MGRS) keep your team aligned. Smart Asset Tracking Map water points, structures, utilities, and equipment. Know exactly where your resources are located—even in areas you've never surveyed before. GPS Trail Recording Track your movements in real-time. Drop waypoints at critical locations. Save trails for search patterns, patrol routes, or evacuation paths. View distance, duration, and pace as you move. Polygon Mapping Define operational zones with tap-to-draw polygon tools. Mark fire perimeters, search areas, property boundaries, or hazard zones. Real-time area and perimeter calculations help with resource allocation. Task Management View assigned tasks with priority indicators and status badges. Filter by urgency, update progress in the field, and link tasks directly to incidents for complete situational awareness. Interactive Maps Toggle between satellite and terrain views. Filter map layers to show only what matters—incidents, assets, trails, or zones. Tap any marker for instant details. Offline Map Downloads Download map tiles for your operational area before you deploy. Verify data integrity and manage storage directly from the app. Background Sync When you're back online, Shult Map syncs your data automatically in the background. Real-time progress tracking shows exactly what's uploading. Bidirectional sync ensures your team sees your updates and you see theirs. In-App Help System Interactive tutorials, searchable reference guides, and contextual tooltips get new team members operational fast. BUILT FOR THE FIELD - Touch-optimized controls sized for gloved hands - High-contrast display readable in direct sunlight - Instant visual feedback for offline and sync status - Coordinate system support for MGA and MGRS grids - Unit preferences for metric or imperial measurements TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS Shutl Mapper is designed for: - Firefighters and wildfire response teams - Search and rescue operations - Emergency management agencies - Disaster recovery coordinators - Utility restoration crews - Field survey teams - Humanitarian response organizations When the stakes are high and connectivity is low, Shutl Mapper keeps your team connected to the mission. Download now. Be ready for anything.

Screenshots

Detector Maps4 screens
Shutl Mapper4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shutl Mapper at none against Detector Maps's 4. Shutl Mapper also leads on ads (none vs shown). Detector Maps's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks) and chart position (#113 vs unranked). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Detector Maps sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Shutl Mapper asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Detector Maps ships an update every 6 days, Shutl Mapper every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Detector Maps versus Shutl Mapper: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDetector MapsShutl Mapper
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (254 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews73.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings254 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription—
Best chart rank#113 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size115 MB62 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGOLD DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS PTY LTDGlobal Outsource Solutions Pty Ltd

Bugs and requests

Detector Maps

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Issues with subscription and login
  • LiDAR not working in certain areas

Requested features

2 requests
  • Expand coverage to more areas
  • Improve data accuracy and consistency

Shutl Mapper

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Detector Maps

Subscriptions4
  • Monthly Explorer Plan$7.991 Month
  • Monthly Plan$11.991 Month
  • Yearly Explorer Plan7 Days trial$59.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly Plan7 Days trial$99.991 Year
None

Shutl Mapper

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Detector Maps free?
Detector Maps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shutl Mapper free?
Shutl Mapper is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Detector Maps or Shutl Mapper have ads?
Detector Maps shows ads; Shutl Mapper does not.
Which is updated more often, Detector Maps or Shutl Mapper?
Detector Maps ships an update every 6 days, and Shutl Mapper every 2 weeks. Most recently, Detector Maps was updated on October 16, 2026 and Shutl Mapper on October 12, 2026.

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