Spotting animal tracks — with your iPhone? It can do THAT?
It was a short 2 years ago, that the outdoor industry was bemoaning “nature deficit disorder” among our younger generations. Some, like the MN-DNR, had hoped to lure people into state parks with geocaching events and contests. But overall, many observed with concern, a waning interest in the outdoors.
How quickly things can change. Coupled with the frugality of outdoor recreation in a tight economy, new directions in hand-held technology just may bring people out into direct sunlight again.
Today, outdoorsy apps for the iPhone are flipping out from nowhere like tools on a Swiss Army knife. Apple’s latest TV spot (above) highlights apps for navigation, identifying birds and “itchy” stuff. Sure got my attention, but those examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
From knot-tying to stargazing; from kayaking river guides to field-guides on plants, animal tracks (and even scat!), there does seem to be “an app for that”. And let’s not forget the ever-lovin’ Flashlight app.
Will Apple’s iPhone, as a single device, succeed in bridging the gap between the wired and the wild? And what about the issue of cell phone coverage out there? We have our own opinions, but we’d like to hear yours.
Do you think iPhones have a place (or a chance) in the BWCA? Or better yet, do you have a story about using your iPhone on a trip up north? Share it in the comments.
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As much fun as it sometimes being a luddite, I have to (not even grudgingly) admit that this particular utility is very cool and useful.
I recently picked up an ipod touch, and have added the iBird application, which is great. I think it really helps your appreciation of the world to be able to see a bird, and then to quickly be able to identify it. The regular field guides are good, but being able to hear and compare a song right as you are hearing it? Amazing.
I’d like to have the same type of application for animal tracks, scat (the ones you mentioned are still pretty weak), tree and plant ID, etc. It’ll come.
Great input, Bryan. I’ve not used iBird, but I’d love to see a tracks app that would feature ‘overlaid’ views of tracks: B/W line art, photographic examples and pinpointing of notable features.
Any developers out there listening?