Comparison

Earth & Sky Explorer vs Apex Mini Map

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

Head to head
About

Earth & Sky Explorer

Visualize celestial paths and Earth's features with an AR compass. Explore through the Earth, see global maps, and track the Sun and Moon in 3D. Offers precise GPS and barometer data for any location and time.

Highlights
  • Immersive 3D compass with GPS data
  • AR view of Sun and Moon paths
  • See through the Earth visualization
  • Virtual view from any location
  • Global map perspective
  • Moon phase and time visualization
Features
Read full description

"Earth & Sky Explorer" brings this to life in a unique and intuitive way. A beautiful 3D compass with precise GPS data lets you see through and across the Earth, and visualize Sun & Moon paths and key celestial lines in AR — for your location, or in VR for any place and time. No ads. No tracking. Just a powerful tool — for the price of a nice cappuccino. Privacy : www.durandilabs.ch/apps/compass-privacy-en Terms of Use : www.durandilabs.ch/apps/compass-terms-en Features 1. 3D Compass -- Immersive 3D wind rose and magnetic field visualization -- Direction in degrees and 16-wind system (true or magnetic) -- Magnetic declination & inclination (upright mode) -- GPS data: position, speed, altitude (flexible units & formats) -- Barometer: pressure and altitude 2. AR View (Camera & Virtual) -- Live camera overlay with azimuth & elevation -- Sun path, Moon path, horizon, celestial equator & ecliptic (at any place on earth) -- Works with all available backside cameras + zoom -- Fine-tune the compass using Sun or Moon as reference -- Sun & Moon altitude over horizon graph for ±12h -- Freely set time & date to see the tracks for any date and time (minute or day steps) 3. See Through the Earth -- Point your phone down — Have a virtual look through the globe -- Zoom to explore countries and islands -- Tap to identify locations worldwide (online feature) -- See the direct “through-Earth” distance (as the mole tunnels :-) -- Discover your antipode (opposite position on globe) 4. Virtual View from Anywhere -- Set any observer location on Earth -- Know surface distance from your current position to any other location -- Sun & Moon altitude over horizon graph for ±12h -- Earth illumination at selected date/time -- Useful in-flight: - GPS (position, speed, altitude) - Barometer (cabin pressure & equivalent altitude) 5. Global Map Perspective (Equidistant azimuthal projection) -- Center it to any location -- Visualize global distances and directions -- See the correct! Earth illumination on this projection at any time 6. Moon & Time Visualization -- Elegant analog clock -- Moon phase, declination and apparent size in a unique monthly moon graph -- Turn your device into a stylish astronomical clock Notes: Not all iPads are equipped with GPS receivers.
 Even in the age of GPS, the compass is still based on measuring the Earth's magnetic field.
 This measurement can be affected by magnets in the phone case or by other magnetic or electrical objects nearby. Stay curious!

About

Apex Mini Map

Features
Read full description

Apex Mini Map is a driver-focused mini-map app built for spirited drives, canyon roads, and backroad exploring. This app was built specifically for seeing turns ahead when you're not fully familiar with a new road. Think of it as a mini map from like arcade racing game but for real life. No subscriptions or signing up. Features: • Live clean, customizable driving mini-map. • Road Focus mode to make your active road easier to see. • Multiple visual themes, including Arcade, Underground, Vice, and more. • Custom arcade color options. • Adjustable cursor POV, including centered and lower driving views. • Quick controls designed for easy access while parked. • Location privacy-first design: Apex uses your location while the app is open and does not share your live location with other users. Apex is not turn-by-turn navigation. It is a focused driving map UI for seeing the road ahead.

Screenshots

Earth & Sky Explorer4 screens
Apex Mini Map3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Apex Mini Map at every 3 days against Earth & Sky Explorer's every 3 weeks. Apex Mini Map also leads on price ($0.99 vs $2.99). Earth & Sky Explorer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.5). On ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

Earth & Sky Explorer costs $2.99 and Apex Mini Map $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Earth & Sky Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, Apex Mini Map every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Earth & Sky Explorer versus Apex Mini Map: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEarth & Sky ExplorerApex Mini Map
Price$2.99$0.99 — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better26.5
Further details — not scored
Size143 MB69 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndreas Joseph DurandiCK Design & Development, LLC.

In-app purchases

None

Earth & Sky Explorer

No in-app purchases

None

Apex Mini Map

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Earth & Sky Explorer free?
Earth & Sky Explorer costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Apex Mini Map free?
Apex Mini Map costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Earth & Sky Explorer or Apex Mini Map have ads?
Neither Earth & Sky Explorer nor Apex Mini Map shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Earth & Sky Explorer or Apex Mini Map?
Earth & Sky Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, and Apex Mini Map every 3 days. Most recently, Earth & Sky Explorer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Apex Mini Map on October 25, 2026.

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