Working mostly for very large, global corporations, on enterprise-wide systems meant that there certainly wasn't ever much 'fun' in the software we worked on and definitely not much personal utility either. All the early promise and hype about personal computing seemed rather hollow. Now, however, I'm starting to see some of that early promise being realized with apps that are not only 'fun', but, really useful as well. Although I'm very late to the party and still resist some aspects of social media (I'm not on Facebook or Twitter) I have taken baby steps into the iPad app market. Here are a few of the apps I'm using. They are all either free, or, are very reasonably priced. Maybe you'll find some of them useful as well. Most of them require that you have a GPS-enabled iPad.
1. Navionics Boating App - this app, along with downloaded Navionics charts and the iPad's GPS allow you to use your iPad as a mini chartplotter. It works really well and provides a great backup to your main chartplotter system. The charts are very reasonably priced compared to charts meant for purpose-built plotters. It's also fun to use on ferries and/or cruise ships to follow along the route you're travelling.
2. SkyGuide - this app shows you a map of the night sky at your current location (or a location you choose). You can line it up with what you're looking at in the sky over your head and it will identify the stars and constellations etc.
3. maps.me - this app has proved invaluable on many occasions. Before leaving on a trip, just download the maps for areas and towns/cities you'll be visiting. Then, without needing internet access, you can use them when you arrive to find your way around. It also identifies local points of interest and shops/restaurants etc. In all the places we've used it, even remote ones, it has been incredibly accurate and useful. Using the GPS in your iPad, you can even set it up to act like a voice navigation system, for walking, or, vehicle use. We have a primary TomTom satnav system for vehicle use, but, have found that maps.me often seems to have better low-level details on street names etc. and we find ourselves switching to use it quite often.
4. MarineTraffic - this app shows the locations of all AIS (automatic identification system)-equipped vessels worldwide. This includes large cargo ships and even sailboats like us. It will show where the boat last transmitted from and a past track. You can see the same thing on www.marinetraffic.com. Sometimes it's a little out of date, but, still fascinating. Try entering 'GJOA' and you will see our current location. It's already picked us up in Malaysia. I am still ambivalent about whether I like being tracked, but, there's no option. A lot of countries now are requiring AIS use, like Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, with more probably to follow and I suppose it may be useful in a search and rescue scenario. On the other side, some countries have been known to levy fines on yachts, using their AIS track as evidence, when they might happen to wander back and forth across a border accidentally. People around the world are snapping and uploading photos of boats and these also get displayed. We were really surprised to see a picture of Black Sheep II, our first cruising boat, taken by somebody without our knowledge, in Gotland, Sweden, on the web site.
5. SWBC Sked - this app displays a schedule for Shortwave Broadcasts. It also shows which channels are broadcasting right now, so, you can tune in your shortwave receiver. Have just started using this and still need to figure out the channel numbering, but, it will be really useful.
6. Google Translate - this is a free download. We're heading for rural Indonesia and I don't think many people will speak English there. We downloaded the Indonesian dictionary so we could use it offline. It even has voice activation, you speak into it and it translates. This led to quite a few laughs with some of the results. Haven't tried it yet, but, you're also supposed to be able to point your iPad camera at a street sign, it will recognize it and translate it for you. Amazing....
7. Rankers Camping NZ - This app was invaluable during our recent three month campervan tour of New Zealand. It shows all the camping options, including free ones, around your current location.
8. Camps Australia - This app wasn't quite as user-friendly as Rankers Camping NZ, but, served the same purpose and also proved invaluable for a campervan tour.
9. WikiCamps - This is also a camping app for Australia. It sometimes had different options than shown on Camps Australia, so, best to have both really.
Good luck! Let us know how she's sailing!
ReplyDeleteNot on FB? Is that a hacker? Lol
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