Comparison

Backseat Geologist vs GrappleMaps

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

Head to head
About

Backseat Geologist

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
Read full description

Ever wanted a geologist to ride along and explain what's outside your window?  Being a geologist myself, I went on vacation and wished I had someone to read geologic map descriptions as we drove across the countryside. When I got home, I started working on Backseat Geologist to do just that! Backseat Geologist will give you audio descriptions of the rocks below your feet or wheels as you travel. - Browse the geologic map and tap around to see details about the geologic units that are near you - Start an Explore session and get updates on the geology below you as you move around - Overlook Mode scans the geology of what you can see and tells you all about it - Create Routes to listen to the geologic story of your commute, road trip, or family outing. Routes combine the context of each geologic unit you pass to create a more cohesive set of descriptions. - Routes can be saved offline for areas with bad service - Long tap on the map to drop a pin and tap again to create a route to that location - Adjust descriptions for any audience from kids to geology enthusiasts - Geology data is powered by Macrostrat, USGS, GEM, Paleobiology DB, and more - Explore Points of Interest of recently active volcanoes and historic earthquakes - Choose between different base maps - View regional stratigraphic columns - See the paleogeography of Earth when rocks formed - Audio plays from the background and doesn't interfere with navigation or other apps - Works well with other playing audio like music or podcasts - Widget for the geology of your current location - Live activity shows on Lock Screen, Dynamic Island and CarPlay - App Intent gives Siri access to geology information from the app without opening it. Say "Hey Siri, use Backseat Geologist" - Sync with iCloud between iPhone, iPad and Mac Premium and Max users get: - Improved audio quality - Topographic map background layer option - Download geologic map tiles and data for areas of the map to use offline - Custom route creation - Import GPX files in custom routes - See further in Overlook Mode Download Backseat Geologist and discover the millions and billions of years of Earth history rolling by your window. If you find any bugs or issues please contact me at support@backseatgeologist.com Privacy Policy: https://backseatgeologist.com/privacy-policy Terms of Service: https://backseatgeologist.com/terms-of-service End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

GrappleMaps

Features
Read full description

Find your next roll with GrappleMaps - the essential app for traveling Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. DISCOVER GYMS NEAR YOU Use your location to find BJJ gyms wherever you travel. Whether you're on vacation, a business trip, or just exploring a new city, GrappleMaps helps you find the perfect place to train. DETAILED GYM INFORMATION • Class schedules and timings • Gym affiliations and lineages • Drop-in policies and visitor information • Contact details and directions • Reviews from fellow practitioners PLAN YOUR TRAINING Easily search for gyms that match your schedule and preferences. No more calling multiple gyms or searching through outdated websites - get all the information you need in one place. BUILT FOR TRAVELERS GrappleMaps is designed specifically for BJJ practitioners who want to experience the local jiu-jitsu culture wherever they go. Find gyms near your hotel, check their schedule, and show up ready to roll. Whether you're a white belt or a black belt, GrappleMaps makes it easy to continue your BJJ journey no matter where life takes you.

Screenshots

Backseat Geologist4 screens
GrappleMaps4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: GrappleMaps at 15.1 against Backseat Geologist's 17.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Backseat Geologist sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and GrappleMaps sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backseat Geologist ships an update fortnightly, GrappleMaps every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Backseat Geologist versus GrappleMaps: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackseat GeologistGrappleMaps
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (83 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings83 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB84 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBlake MorganDaniel Wyleczuk-Stern

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Backseat Geologist

Subscriptions4
  • Premium Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
  • Max Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Annual$17.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Max Annual$39.991 Year
One-time3
  • Colorado I-70 Route Pack$4.99
  • Seward Highway$4.99
  • Moab Utah Route Pack$9.99
4 purchases

GrappleMaps

One-time4
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
  • Large Tip$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Extra Large Tip$19.99

Questions

Is Backseat Geologist free?
Backseat Geologist is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GrappleMaps free?
GrappleMaps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Backseat Geologist or GrappleMaps have ads?
Neither Backseat Geologist nor GrappleMaps shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Backseat Geologist or GrappleMaps?
Backseat Geologist ships an update fortnightly, and GrappleMaps every 8 days. Most recently, Backseat Geologist was updated on October 28, 2026 and GrappleMaps on October 19, 2026.

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