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Reader Participation Day: Do You Use A Smartphone App To The National Parks?

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Last week we wondered how many folks were using their smartphones as cameras in the national parks. Let's stay with the smartphone theme this week: Do you have a national park app on your phone, and do you use it?

That's an intriguing question for a few reasons. One, to find out if these apps were just a flash in the pan and aren't thought of now. Two, to find out if you have a favorite park app and if so, why? And three, whether you can use them in parks that might not be fully WiFied.

And then there's No. 4: Do you rely on a park app instead of using a park brochure or newspaper?

This all ties in, of course, to the smartphone movement and evolution. Some view smartphones as a new portal for the National Park Service to use to reach out to visitors without generating a huge paper footprint. Others point to the growing reliance on Wi-Fi as a reason for the National Park System to become more wired.

But if there's little reliance on park apps, is there really a great need to use "interpretation" as a reason to justify expanded "wiring" of national parks?

Tell us what you think!

Comments

Yes, I have a national park app on my phone. I find it pretty useless as it just gives a very general overview, nothing I don't already know. However, after reading this article, I checked my phone and the app and learned that the company is making more detailed, individual park apps. I downloaded one and was very happy with the detail - lists of campgrounds, lists of hikes, lists of events... Thanks for the push to look! Though I carry a GPS and a smart phone, I will always rely on paper maps (the screen is a lot bigger) and research. But, the app will come in handy - it has tides and sunrise/sunset - two pieces of information that are great to have at your fingertips. I am looking forward to more parks apps - there seems to be about 20 now. I am very glad they included a "Leave No Trace" section. So, going forward, I am more likely to rely on the individual park apps, now that I know they exist. In just a quick browse, I have found it can be very useful. I am seriously trying to get over my need for paper.


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