iPad Apps Review, Part 1
Apr 20, 2010 @ 2:55 PM by Kumiko Yamazaki -- apple apps ipad reviewWhile all of you were keeping busy at the AAGs in DC, I was in the office glued to the new love of my life, the glorious iPad!! I’ve already downloaded some geo-related apps so here’s a brief summary of each:
1. National Geographic World Atlas HD ($1.99)
Gizmodo recently called this “$2 of app spam” and it’s pretty accurate, albeit a little harsh. You receive several of their world maps, basic country info, and a search feature that plots the location on the map. It’s not jaw-dropping but it looks nice and runs ok (crashes every now and then). However at $2 and a brand like National Geographic, you just expect wayyy more than the few searchable world maps they provide. The free native Google Maps app will do fine for almost everyone.
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2. The World Factbook for iPad ($1.99)
This is the entire CIA World Factbook packaged offline. It offers all their country maps, locator maps, flags, and more information than you’ll ever need on a particular country. It’s good reference material and the best of all world factbooks currently available.
Just to be nitpicky, I’m going to point out the flags on the left menu are all incorrectly shown as having the same dimensions.
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3. Geo Hangman HD ($0.99)
BIG! SHINY! BUTTONS!! Geo Hangman looks beautiful and is a simple hangman game where each correct answer is a country. Once you’ve guessed correctly, you’re also informed the capital of the country and have the option of viewing its location on a map.
Some students may complain about the lack of a scoring system, but it does at least have educational value.. unlike some mindless games I’m officially (shamefully) addicted to!
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4. World Atlas for iPad ($0.99)
This app does nothing but display a single general reference map for each country. These shaded relief CIA maps can all be found on the Perry Castañeda Map Collection website. Do not buy.
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5. Carta Compact Atlas HD, Bible Maps ($4.99)
Over 30 Bible maps done well with traditional cartographic styles. Unfortunately, this app has zero interactivity other than pan/zoom and is priced too high.
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What does everyone think? I think we can all agree that no ‘killer app’ has been developed yet. Personally, I’d like to see more geography games that are engaging to both students and adults - am I being selfish? :) I’d also like to continue reviewing iPad apps in the future so I hope you enjoyed this first installment!
as publishers of the Carta Atlas we apreciate your comments. Any thoughts about other titles on our site for ipad?
Blessings,Emanuel
Hi Emanuel,
I like the idea of bible atlases on the iPad. But in addition to just the maps, I think Carta Atlas can really benefit by adding text and providing more educational value, especially for younger students.
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Greetings from Jerusalem,
Biblical Jerusalem A Carta Atlas for ipad has just been released
Best,
Barbara
Kumiko Yamazaki: kyamazaki@mapkist.com
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