Surviving the Unwired Wild: 6 Mobile Offline Apps Make a Smart Phone an Essential Part of a Camper's Tool Kit [Slide Show]

Identify local flora and fauna, map your location, and survey the night sky using the power of your smart phone

NOAA RADAR U.S.: NOAA Radar can warn nature enthusiasts about approaching storms and other severe weather in their area. The app includes animated radar data, multiple map styles, GPS locator and many options for viewing the data (zoom in, zoom out, pan and scroll)... Shuksan Software, LLC
LEAFSNAP: Campers can use Leafsnap to identify various plant species. Developed by Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution, this app utilizes visual recognition software to name plants based on photos taken by users... Columbia University, University of Maryland, Smithsonian Institution
GOSKYWATCH PLANETARIUM: Go SkyWatch Planetarium helps users learn about what they see in the night sky while camping or hiking far from the light pollution emitted by urban areas. "The app is specifically made for campers and is designed to be used outdoors for naked eye observing," says Richard Hein, owner of app developer Go SoftWorks... GoSoftWorks
GAIA GPS: Gaia GPS lets users pre-download topographical maps of any area on their phones. The maps display campsites, trails and other points of interest—a feature rather useful for camping... TrailBehind, Inc.
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MYNATURE ANIMAL TRACKS: Whether fishing, hiking or walking on a snowy mountain, the app could be a lifesaver when it comes to identifying nature's inhabitants. MyNature Animal Tracks can alert campers to the presence of dangerous animals like a grizzly bear... MyNature, Inc.
SAS SURVIVAL GUIDE: SAS Survival Guide, created by Trellisys.net and HarperCollins Publishers, is a good companion for anyone who wants to be prepared for any eventuality. "The app has often been described as an 'insurance app' against unforeseen situations," says Rohit Regonayak, director of technology at Trellisys.net ... Trellisys.net and HarperCollins Publishers

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