Comparison

Soil Explorer vs ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples

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

Head to head
About

Soil Explorer

Discover detailed soil property and landscape maps for U.S. states and global soil distributions. Understand how map features relate to real-world observations. This educational tool uses data from USDA and USGS to illustrate complex soil-landscape relationships.

Highlights
  • Detailed soil property maps
  • Landscape visualizations
  • Global soil distribution maps
  • Field observation correlation
  • USDA NRCS data integration
  • USGS data integration
Features
Read full description

Explore detailed maps of soil properties and landscapes for various U.S. states, as well as small-scale maps of soil distributions for the world. Examine the details for a specific area, but also see the overview for a large area. Learn how features shown on the maps correspond to what you observe in the field. Soil Explorer utilizes detailed soil survey data from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and data and maps from the U. S. Geological Survey and other sources to produce informative, highly engaging maps. These maps are designed to show the complex interrelationships between soil properties and the landscapes in which soils occur.

About

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples

Explore interactive samples showcasing powerful mapping and visualization capabilities. Learn to integrate advanced features like augmented reality, data editing, and spatial analysis into your own applications by viewing and adapting the provided source code.

Highlights
  • Interactive map and scene samples
  • Augmented reality visualization
  • Data editing and offline capabilities
  • Spatial analysis and routing
  • View and adapt source code
  • Search and query functionality
Features
Read full description

Explore the ArcGIS Maps SDK for Swift with dozens of interactive samples. Experience the SDK's powerful capabilities and learn how to incorporate them into your own apps. View the code behind each sample from within the app and see how easy it is to use the SDK. • Maps - Open, create, interact with, and save maps • Scenes - Visualize 3D environments and symbols • Layers - Display vector and raster data in maps and scenes • Augmented Reality - View data overlaid on the real world through your device's camera • Visualization - Show graphics, popups, callouts, sketches, and style maps with symbols and renderers • Edit and Manage Data - Add, delete, and edit features and attachments, and take data offline • Search and Query - Find addresses, places, and points of interest • Routing and Logistics - Calculate routes between locations and around barriers • Analysis - Perform spatial analysis via geoprocessing tasks and services • Cloud and Portal - Search for web maps and securely connect to your portal • Utility Networks - Work with utility networks, performing traces and exploring network elements The source code for the app is available on GitHub: https://github.com/Esri/arcgis-maps-sdk-swift-samples

Screenshots

Soil Explorer4 screens
ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples at 4.6 against Soil Explorer's 4.1. ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 11 months). Soil Explorer's advantage is iOS requirement (14.7 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 9 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 0% and 0% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Soil Explorer ships an update every 11 months, ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and August 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Soil Explorer versus ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoil ExplorerArcGIS Maps SDK Samples
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (9 ratings)4.6 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings99
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 4 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS14.7 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size172 MB141 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPurdue UniversityESRI

Customer experience

Soil Explorer

All ratings9 ratings
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral50.0%
Negative50.0%

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

Soil Explorer

No in-app purchases

None

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Soil Explorer free?
Soil Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples free?
ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Soil Explorer or ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples?
ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples is rated higher. Soil Explorer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples averages 4.6 from 9 ratings.
Do Soil Explorer or ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples have ads?
Neither Soil Explorer nor ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Soil Explorer or ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples?
Soil Explorer ships an update every 11 months, and ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples every 4 months. Most recently, Soil Explorer was updated on September 19, 2026 and ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples on August 31, 2026.

Other comparisons