Surfaces in Space vs PicoMap
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Surfaces in Space
Explore and interact with a variety of 3D mathematical surfaces. Visualize complex shapes, customize their appearance, and even import your own 3D models. Offers intuitive touch controls for easy navigation and rendering.
- 3D mathematical surface visualization
- Interactive touch controls (rotate, zoom, pan)
- Customizable surface appearance (fill, primitives)
- Import .stl and .obj files
- Adjustable tessellation detail
- Customizable backgrounds and lighting
- Save 10-bit snapshots
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A 3D viewer for mathematical surfaces. Visualize and interact with parametric shapes including spheres, tori, Klein bottles, Möbius strips, and more. Features: - An expanding catalogue of both vertex-based, tessellated surfaces, and a physical objects category - Rotate, zoom, and pan with (multi-)touch gestures - Auto-rotate along an axis, adjust speed with a dismissible slider - Adjustable tessellation detail via a dismissible slider - Adjustable tessellation fill: solid or wireframe - Adjustable vertex primitives: points, lines, triangles - Adjust point size with a dismissible slider - Optional ripple effect on vertex-based surfaces - Optional rotating light for most surfaces - Customizable background color, background image - Save 10-bit snapshots - Restore previous session, start fresh, or randomize launch - Import .stl (STL) or .obj (OBJ) files for viewing - choose culling mode: none, back, or front - spatial environments: standard / default, Milky Way panorama, a black hole, and - free camera mode: toggle on/off in settings to freely move camera around environment - control free camera mode with a game controller or keyboard (wasd + arrows)
PicoMap
Transform any surface into a dynamic display using your iPhone. Easily map videos and photos onto walls, stages, or objects without a computer. Offers advanced controls for precise adjustments and creative effects.
- Four-corner surface mapping
- Import videos and photos
- Multi-layer mixing
- Customizable masks
- Real-time FX controls
- Audio-reactive and MIDI control
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Turn walls, stages, and objects into moving light. PicoMap is projection mapping built for iPhone. Connect a projector, drag four corners, and play your own videos and photos — no computer, no complicated desktop software. HOW IT WORKS Connect your iPhone to a projector Drag the four corners to match your surface Drop in a video or photo and play KEY FEATURES Four-corner adjustment for precise surface mapping Import videos and photos from Photos or Files Build and mix up to four layers Rectangle, circle, triangle, diamond, and custom masks Opacity, soft-edge, and real-time FX controls Kaleidoscope, pixelate, chromatic, and strobe effects Audio-reactive and MIDI control Dual-channel live mixing Freeze, Blackout, Safe Scene, and master intensity Optional downloadable CC video library Portrait-first controls designed for iPhone Japanese and English interface MADE FOR Live shows, DJs, VJs, and stage performances Shops, exhibitions, and events Installations and video art Room lighting and creative experiments Anyone trying projection mapping for the first time All you need is an iPhone, a projector, and the right cable or adapter. External output and resolution depend on your device and display setup.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Surfaces in Space at none against PicoMap's 1. PicoMap's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.4). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. PicoMap sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Surfaces in Space asks for nothing beyond the download.
Surfaces in Space ships an update every 2 months, PicoMap monthly. Both last shipped on October 12, 2026.
| Parameter | Surfaces in Space | PicoMap |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.4 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 87 MB | 99 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Colin Ford | Code and DESIGN inc. |
In-app purchases
Surfaces in Space
No in-app purchases
PicoMap
- PicoMap Full Access$2.99
Questions
Is Surfaces in Space free?
Is PicoMap free?
Do Surfaces in Space or PicoMap have ads?
Which is updated more often, Surfaces in Space or PicoMap?
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