Earlier we had witnessed an array of applications like FlightView Flight Tracking app catering to the mobile navigation segment. The latest to enter this space is the ViewRanger GPS outdoor navigation application for the iPhone 4, iPad and Android devices. Crafted by Augmentra, this tool is ideal for campers and hikers who love visiting adventurous locations every now and then.
The application is claimed to be the first one to access the National Geographic U.S. maps on the devices. It also proffers off-road GPS location, tracking navigation and location-based content sharing and allows users to publish in Facebook or Twitter. With a natural and spontaneous user interface, tourists can get up-to-date information about their present location by converting their devices into a full-fledged trail navigation system outside cell phone coverage.
Craig Wareham, CEO of Augmentra, explained, “Since we launched our off-road GPS app on the Symbian platform two years ago, its adoption across Europe by walkers, hikers, bikers and other outdoor sports people has been enthusiastic and has received a great response. Now that it’s available on popular U.S. operating systems for Android and iPhone, we anticipate consumers in the U.S. will embrace our offering as well.”
Specifically designed for adventurous users adoring outdoor activities, this tool has extended its platform from those applications that only enable basic mapping information without any connectivity. Hikers can transmit tracking signal by utilizing the cellular network and provide real-time location information to their friends and family, thanks to the BuddyBeacon feature.
Dan Ortiz, Vice President, Products, Marketing & Operations for National Geographic Maps, remarked, “We are excited to offer detailed topographic maps of the United States to a growing number of smartphone users. There is a generation of people that have grown up with vehicle sat-navs and internet-based maps who may rarely use topographic maps. ViewRanger GPS captures this audience, and by making it easy to follow a topographic map on their phone, it will allow them to venture into the outdoors with confidence.”
This application provides topographic maps of the whole of United States which includes 58 national parks. The application also features a sports computer that enables users to preserve their performance metrics. Other than iPhone 4 and Android, this application also works on iPad devices. On iPad, this application utilizes the huge screen for exhibiting the map details. The information uses two-thirds of the screen and the rest of it is used by Organizer and other necessary details that enhance the traveling experience while route planning and checking.
For Android devices the ViewRanger GPS Outdoor Navigation application retails at a price of $4.99 through the Android Market. iPhone 4 and iPad users can purchase this application through iTunes at a price of $19.99.