TacMap keeps navigation and mission tools available when signal drops. When a network is available, optional end-to-end encrypted Unit Sync shares the picture and live TacMap Chat. No account, ads, or analytics.
TAK is powerful and free, and it expects a server, a learning curve, and a platform choice. TacMap is the shared map you can hand to a whole team in two minutes.
| TacMap | Typical TAK setup | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS and Android, one app | ATAK / iTAK / WinTAK, varying parity |
| Multi-user setup | Share a join code | Often a TAK Server to run and secure |
| Account | None | Depends on deployment |
| Presence encryption | E2E content; relay sees traffic/session metadata | Depends on server / config |
| Time to first shared map | Minutes | Setup and a real learning curve |
| Offline maps | Default | Supported, more setup |
| Auditable | Open source + published threat model | Open core |
TAK is the more powerful platform, and it is fair to say so. TacMap focuses on time to first shared map, a shared iOS/Android feature contract, and a security story a non-specialist can verify. The gallery below contains only screenshots checked against the 2.0 candidate; cross-platform parity is enforced by the test suite, not inferred from marketing artwork.
MGRS grid, military symbology, measurement, and imported maps. TacMap makes zero tile requests until you explicitly turn on an online map.
See each other move in real time, reject implausible GPS jumps, and retain a clearly aged last-known marker through brief reconnects. Screen-off sharing is a separate opt-in on both platforms.
Send encrypted text or reports to the entire room or one selected live unit. The relay routes ciphertext but still sees Chat scope, the selected recipient, and traffic metadata; “Routed” is not a read receipt.
Rotate the map by touch or let the phone compass keep the map aligned with your heading. The north indicator and mils readout stay explicit, including the selected true, magnetic, or grid-north reference.
Import PDF, GeoPDF, and MBTiles packs. TacMap reads embedded georeferencing where available and calibrates ordinary map sheets on-device when it is not.
Crash reports stay local unless you export them. Online maps/lookups are opt-in; platform stores may still reconcile your unlock without receiving mission or location payloads.
These iPhone and Android phone screens were checked against the 2.0 release candidate. Older Android and iPad artwork is intentionally excluded until recaptured; scroll sideways or swipe on a phone.
9 verified iPhone screens · 2 verified Android screens
Pre-stage the map and use field tools offline; Unit Sync reconnects through its relay when a network path is available.
Keep navigation and a pre-staged map available when coverage disappears.
Your map, your team, no account; optional network paths stay visible and off until you choose them.
Shared situational awareness without standing up a server.
The whole security story is documented and open. The sync layer is end-to-end encrypted, while the relay handles encrypted payloads plus a clear admission token, envelope, actor/session, control, and traffic metadata. The crypto ships with a test suite. If you can read code, you can check every claim on this page.
Download TacMap for offline field tools. When connected, share a join code for encrypted Unit Sync presence, mission objects, and TacMap Chat. No TacMap account.
TACMAP