Load Before You Go Apps

HIKE SMART NY https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html

External power pack/bank for your phone! Detailed information at the end.

What3Words https://what3words.com

  • Every 3 metre square of the world has been given a unique combination of three words.

Avenza https://www.avenza.com

  • The only app that seems to be readily available for tracking your location on GeoPDFs. Geo Referenced PDF format maps so the location information from your phone is used to display your location on a map.

  • Available in Free, only allows 3 maps at a time to be loaded, and Paid versions.

    Georeferenced PDF Maps – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

    https://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/120176.html

    Georeferenced PDF maps contain embedded coordinates that allow you to track your actual location on the map. DEC is now using georeferencing in many of our recreation maps as a public service that will improve safety for people who enjoy outdoor activities on the nearly 5 million acres of lands we manage.

Compass App

  • You must also carry a hand held compass and a printed map.

  • A compass app is a convenient way to have a compass on your phone.

Maprika

  • Geocoded maps. Used by many ski areas – Highland Forest is available on Maprika.

  • With Maprika you can: Locate yourself and your friends on any map. Drop a pin, share it with friends, and schedule a meeting. The best mapping solution for ski resorts, parks, and campuses.

  • Easy to create a Geocoded map like at the trail head. (If you have cell service.)

    • Take a photo of the trail map at the information kiosk.

    • Locate at least 3 points on this map photo along with their corresponding location on Google Maps. Trail head, road junctions, are good points.

    • Have Maprika process the map. Maprika uses the Latitude, Longitude from Google Maps for the known points to calculate the scale for the map photo. (You might need additional points)

    • Check the map as you travel the trails – ground truth.

Airflare https://airflare.com

  • AirFlare, the app that turns your mobile phone into an outdoors rescue locator.

    Subscription: $4,99 per year. $14.99 for lifetime.

  • AirFlare’s smartphone app is designed for strong, spotty, or zero connectivity. Airflare makes the phone instantly locatable by rescuers via even a fleeting Internet connection.

  • In addition, the company offers rescuers their proprietary detector hardware that uses WiFi and Bluetooth to find a phone from up to 1km away.

Additional Airflare notes from co-founder Denis Lee

AirFlare co-founder Denis Lee said that upon hearing about AirFlare, many people mistakenly compare it to traditional special-purpose locator devices.

“We prefer to think of AirFlare as a base level of protection that everyone can have, complementing and strongly encouraging situationally appropriate tools,” he said. “From avalanche beacons to satellite emergency notification devices, all are unique in their utility, training, and costs. Just as a craftsperson wouldn’t leave a screwdriver at home because they’re carrying a hammer, we believe everyone should always have all the right tools for the job. AirFlare is the protection everyone can have all the time.”

The applications go far beyond ski areas, according to Lee.

“Virtually anyone who adventures in the outdoors can benefit from using AirFlare, including anglers, ATV and UTV riders, bicyclists and mountain bikers, birders, boaters, canoers, dirt bikers, hikers and trail runners, horseback riders, hunters, kayakers, rafters, rock climbers, snowmobilers, and snowshoers,” Lee said. “You can even use it to find your friends at music festivals and theme parks. In all those environments, cellular service is often less than perfect and AirFlare’s unique technology shines.”

External power pack/bank for your phone!