Apps for the Outdoors
Whilst Apps and modern gadgets like GPS can add an element of learning and discovery to the outdoors it is important to ensure that we know how to use them but more importantly not to become reliant on them and not to forget or lose the principals of skills like trapping, map reading or identification as devices can always get broken or batteries die.
This is an experimental part of the web site where Apps that are currently available can be tested and reviewed to see if they work and how well....
Alternatively, if you are designing an App and would like it testing you can email your app to us here
LeafSnap (iOS: Free)
Leafsnap is a cool app developed by a partnership between the University of Maryland, Columbia University and the Smithsonian Institution that serves as a field guide to a variety of plant species that can identify a plant or tree based on a picture of its leaves. In addition to identifying trees by their leaves, the app comes with hi-res images of leaves, bark, flowers, and fruits to help identification. Users can browse a list of species and mark sightings on a map.
SAS Survival Guide (Android, iOS: $5.99)
Based on the bestselling book by John "Lofty" Wiseman, the paid SAS Suvival Guide app (Android, iOS) contains the full text of the book optimized for mobile formats and covers a host of basic and advanced survival topics. It also includes extensive first aid information, as well as photo galleries of edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants. In addition, the app also allows you to download 16 instructional videos by the author. A survival quiz tests your knowledge, and helpful checklists assist in preparation. Additionally, the app includes a Morse code signalling function.
Audubon Birds Pro (Android: $3.99; iOS: $9.99)
The Audubon Field Guides are a storied name in wildlife field guides, and they've also been adapted into mobile apps. The Audubon Birds Pro app (Android, iOS) provides an incredibly detailed illustrated field guide that identifies 821 different bird species complete with recorded bird calls. Seasonal and migratory maps give you an idea of where to find particular species, while personalized accounts let you log bird sightings, keep a checklist, and share sightings over social media.
Star Walk (Android, iOS: $2.99)
Vito Technologies' Star Walk 2 (Android, iOS) is an augmented reality star chart that displays the stars and planets in the heavens above you. In addition, the app includes detailed information on the history and mythology of the various constellations, stars and planets, as well as a coordinates viewer for easy reference. A Time Machine slider lets you view the skies of the past or the future, and you can tap on individual objects for more details. A night mode allows you to stargaze without burning out your night vision, and an augmented reality view overlays the star chart over your camera view. It's a great app to have along on a clear night or when out camping.