A Simple Avenza Alternative for GeoPDF Fire Maps
Avenza Maps is a powerful field-mapping application with considerably more capability than MCG Maps. But not every firefighter needs a full GIS-style field application.
If you want a simple personal field reference with topo context and the incident GeoPDFs you already receive, MCG Maps is designed around that narrower job: see where you are, keep track of what matters, and share useful information when needed.
MCG Maps is not a complete replacement for Avenza Maps.
Why look for an Avenza alternative?
Avenza Maps Free no longer supports importing custom maps. To import your own GeoPDF or another supported custom map, you currently need an eligible paid subscription.
Avenza's current published USD pricing is $34.99/year per device for Plus, which is for recreational and outdoor use and allows up to 20 custom map imports. Pro starts at $169.99/year per device and allows unlimited custom map imports.
Avenza requires Pro for commercial, academic, professional, or work/organization-related use. Plus is not the professional-use option for incident work.
Pricing and plan terms can change. Check Avenza's current published plans before purchasing.
Avenza pricing and feature information on this page is based on Avenza Maps' published plan and support documentation and was last reviewed August 2026. Avenza also explains the custom-import change in its plan changes FAQ.
MCG Maps and Avenza Maps solve different-sized problems
Avenza is a broader mapping platform. MCG Maps focuses on a smaller problem: helping an individual firefighter use a permanent online Topo Map and supported incident GeoPDF overlays to keep track of their own location and field information, then deliberately share useful files or data.
That narrower scope is a product choice, not a claim of equivalent functionality. If your work calls for a broader GIS toolset, those extra capabilities matter.
What MCG Maps focuses on
Start with the permanent Topo Map, then add a supported incident GeoPDF as an overlay when you need it. See an accepted iPhone location, add Incident-wide Markers with classifications, descriptions, photos, and coordinates, and search or filter those Markers across the map and list workflow.
When someone else needs that information, use the sharing tools to send useful Map or Marker information without making them rebuild what you have captured. You can also acquire maps through NIFC discovery or supported QR codes and measure a temporary multi-segment distance. Imported maps and field data are stored on-device, while online topo and NIFC features require connectivity. No account is required.
Start with the GeoPDF import instructions, read how location works on a GeoPDF, or learn about coordinates and sharing Maps and Markers.
Marker photos stay on the originating device when sharing a current MCG Map package. Share important photos separately.
Where Avenza Maps is more capable
Avenza supports GeoTIFF as well as geospatial PDF and GeoPDF custom maps. Its broader toolset includes GPS track recording, lines and areas, measurement tools, and geofences.
It also offers more extensive layer and data management, additional coordinate systems, KML/GPX/CSV export, and Pro-level Shapefile workflows, alongside its Map Store ecosystem. Feature access depends on the plan.
MCG Maps does not attempt to match that range. If you need these workflows, consider Avenza or another more capable GIS or mapping application.
Which one fits your workflow?
| Need | MCG Maps | Avenza Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Supported GeoPDF import | Yes | Yes, with an eligible paid subscription for custom maps |
| Incident-focused organization | Topo and GeoPDF Maps organized under Incidents | Broader map and layer organization |
| Device location on a georeferenced map | Yes, with an accepted location on a supported map | Yes |
| Field point information | Markers | Placemarks |
| Marker or feature photos | Yes | Yes |
| GPS track recording | No | Yes |
| Lines, areas, and measurement tools | Temporary multi-segment distance only | Yes |
| GeoTIFF | No | Yes |
| Shapefile workflows | No | Pro |
| Account for basic use | No account required | Check Avenza’s requirements for your workflow |
| Professional-use licensing | No separate professional-use tier currently | Pro required for work or professional use |
| Current availability | TestFlight beta | App Store |
For Avenza's current feature availability and licensing details, check its plan comparison. MCG Maps is currently a TestFlight beta; this comparison makes no promise about future pricing or features.
Who MCG Maps is for
MCG Maps may fit a wildland firefighter who already receives incident GeoPDFs and wants a personal field reference on an iPhone. Your location, Markers, descriptions, photos, and coordinates help you keep track of the places and information that matter to you, ready to reference or pass along when needed.
It is built for people who value a simple, no-account workflow with locally stored field data and do not need a complete GIS toolset for the job in front of them.
Who should probably use Avenza Maps instead
Avenza is likely the better fit if you need broader geospatial file support, tracks, editable lines and areas, advanced or saved measurement, geofencing, GIS feature import/export, or Shapefile workflows.
If your team relies on a mature, broader field-mapping platform, choose a tool that supports that full workflow rather than expecting MCG Maps to cover it.
Try the simpler workflow
If the job is to use topo context and the incident GeoPDFs you already receive as a personal field reference on your iPhone, MCG Maps is built around that workflow. See where you are, keep track of what matters, and pass useful information to someone else when needed.
Learn how GeoPDFs work on iPhone.
Help us test it in the field
MCG Maps is currently available through TestFlight. Try it with the maps you actually use and help us find the weird GeoPDFs, edge cases, and things that don't work the way they should before the App Store release.
MCG Maps is not affiliated with or endorsed by Avenza.