Comparison

Map vs Orienteer Virtual Orienteering

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

Head to head
About

Map

Features
Read full description

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.

About

Orienteer Virtual Orienteering

Learn outdoor navigation with a map and compass. Plan, track, and share orienteering courses. Connect with a community for tips and new routes.

Highlights
  • Interactive maps
  • Compass functionality
  • Route planning
  • Course tracking
  • Route sharing
  • Community connection
Features
Read full description

Orienteer is an app that helps you learn to navigate the great outdoors with a map and compass. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, our app makes it easy to plan, track and share orienteering courses. With features such as interactive maps, compass, and tracking, you'll learn quickly. Our app also allows you to share your routes with friends, and connect with other orienteers to discover new courses and tips. Download Orienteer today and start exploring the great outdoors like never before! Terms: https://orienteer.co/terms Privacy Policy: https://orienteer.co/privacy

Screenshots

Map4 screens
Orienteer Virtual Orienteering4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Map at none against Orienteer Virtual Orienteering's 2. Map also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.4). On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Orienteer Virtual Orienteering sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Map asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Map ships an update every 2 months, Orienteer Virtual Orienteering every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Map versus Orienteer Virtual Orienteering: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMapOrienteer Virtual Orienteering
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (49 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—49 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS8.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size127 MB83 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDigital Confections LLCBarleycorn Industries LLC

In-app purchases

None

Map

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Orienteer Virtual Orienteering

Subscriptions2
  • Orienteer Pro$4.991 Month
  • English$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Map free?
Map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Orienteer Virtual Orienteering free?
Orienteer Virtual Orienteering is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Map or Orienteer Virtual Orienteering have ads?
Neither Map nor Orienteer Virtual Orienteering shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Map or Orienteer Virtual Orienteering?
Map ships an update every 2 months, and Orienteer Virtual Orienteering every 3 months. Most recently, Map was updated on September 30, 2026 and Orienteer Virtual Orienteering on October 15, 2026.

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