Map vs ISS Detector
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Map
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Map-n-Compass is a specialized app designed for those interested in Orienteering and Amateur Radio Direction Finding navigation sports. The app is designed specifically for individuals and groups interested in learning and practicing these outdoor navigation sports. If these navigation sports are not your passion, then this app may not be for you. PLEASE NOTE: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. This app is about getting outside, designing courses, and navigation: Map-n-Compass is designed to help beginners develop the skills needed for Orienteering and Amateur Radio Direction Finding navigation sports. The beginner skill level lets newcomers learn without frustration. Intermediate and advanced skill levels provided progressively more challenge. For event organizers the app provides support for designing and distributing courses and holding informal practice sessions with minimal cost and effort. Please contact Digital Confections to provide suggestions for enhancing the app! FEATURES Groups with multiple iOS devices running the app can hold informal practice sessions with minimal cost and effort. The map, the compass, courses, controls, and results recording are all supported within the app. Assorted "streamed" street maps are available within the app, or custom maps can be downloaded and displayed within the app, and a small sample map is provided for illustration. o Help is available within the app - just swipe up on any available overlay or button to access specific help. o Universal - the app is fully functional on iPhones and iPads with GPS. o The app works even on "deactivated" devices lacking cellular network coverage. (Streamed maps and email will not be available without network coverage.) o GPS data is digitally filtered to enhance position accuracy. o Results files contain track, overall results and splits. o Course and Results file sharing by email or iTunes file sharing. o KML-format course and results files are compatible with free mapping software available from popular vendors. o Custom map tile databases that you create and install are supported. o Digital compass data provides directional information. o Tiered support for beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels. o Multiple options for automatically rotating the map. o Built-in timers: Time of day clock, Elapsed time, Overtime countdown with alarm. o Text data can be overlaid atop the map: Distance, step count, GPS, and much more. o Speed and distance unit selection, time format, lat/lon format changes are applied instantly with a single swipe. o Leg lengths and GPS locations of control points can be displayed for courses you create or download. o Courses can be created on a PC or Mac running freely-available satellite photo software, then exported and downloaded to the app by email or iTunes file sharing. o Courses can be created within the app and then shared by email with others using the app, or tweaked on a PC or Mac. o Results files can be displayed and "animated" in free Earth satellite-view software to "relive" the experience - and combined with the results of others to see locations over time. ORIENTEERING o Beginners can see their location on the map, and receive distance and direction hints o Intermediate level users get fewer hints. o Advanced level users get no help from the app aside from a convenient paperless map, map rotation support and course display. ARDF o Bearings are recorded in "point and shoot" fashion, and are color coded to their intended target. o From one up to five separate "foxes" can be hunted and tracked. o Transmitter signals are simulated to provide a remarkably realistic simulated transmitter hunt experience. o Can be used for bearing recording to live transmitters. o The app calculates and displays the likely target locations based on bearings taken. o Results files include bearings and target calculations.
ISS Detector
Easily track the International Space Station and other satellites. Receive timely alarms before passes and get weather condition checks for optimal viewing. Enhance functionality with optional in-app purchases to discover more celestial objects.
- ISS tracking and alerts
- Weather condition checks
- Alarm notifications
- Track Starlink trains
- Track Hubble telescope
- Track amateur radio satellites
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Have you seen the International Space Station? It is visible with the naked eye! This is the easiest way to spot the station. ISS Detector will tell you when and where to look for the ISS. You get an alarm a few minutes before a pass. You will never miss it. ISS Detector will also check if the weather conditions are right. A clear sky is perfect for spotting. Premium will enhance the functionality of ISS Detector. With the subscription you can add many famous satellites and amateur radio satellites. See the Starlink satellite trains, Hubble space telescope, rocket bodies, Vanguard 1 and many bright satellites. Available categories in Premium: Radio Amateur Satellites: Track dozens of ham and weather satellites. Starlink: Track Starlink satellite trains. Famous Objects: Hubble Space Telescope, rocket bodies, bright satellites and more. Comets: Find comets in the night sky. You might need binoculars or a telescope to see them Planets: Find all the planets Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Map at none against ISS Detector's 13. Map also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence 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. ISS Detector sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Map asks for nothing beyond the download.
Map ships an update every 2 months, ISS Detector monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Map | ISS Detector |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.6 (633 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 55.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 633 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 127 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Digital Confections LLC | Derk Vrijdag |
In-app purchases
Map
No in-app purchases
ISS Detector
- Premium Access2 variants$0.991 Month
- Donation$1.991 Month
- Premium Access$1.991 Month
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- Premium Access$2.991 Year
- Premium Access7 Days trial$5.991 Year
- Donation2 variants$5.991 Year
- Premium Access7 Days trial$11.991 Year
- Starlink and Famous objects$3.99
- Amateur Radio Satellites$3.99
- Comets and Planets$3.99
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- Combo package$5.99
Questions
Is Map free?
Is ISS Detector free?
Do Map or ISS Detector have ads?
Which is updated more often, Map or ISS Detector?
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