Information Culture Week 3: Technology: The Outdoor Enthusiast and Mobile Apps

1. The Outdoors and Your
Mobile Device

2. The Outdoor Economy
• More than 140 million Americans make outdoor recreation a part of their
daily lives.
• Camping, fishing, hunting
• Off- Roading, bicycling
• Trail Sports- Hiking, Backpacking, Trail Running, Climbing
• Water Sports- Kayaking, Canoeing, Boating, Rafting
• Snow Sports- Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing
• Wildlife Viewing
• Enthusiasts spend $646 billion each year on their outdoor hobbies.
• $120.7 billion in apparel and equipment
• $524.8 billion in transportation, lodging, food, and entertainment
• 6.1 Million Americans work in Outdoor Recreation jobs

3. Growing Activities
• Outdoor recreation has gone from a “nice to have” to a “must
have”
• Health Benefits
• Affordability
• Easy Access
• Most activities have increased 5% from 2006-2011
• Walking outdoors, hiking, wildlife viewing and photography and
bicycling are the most popular activities.
The Role of Technology
• More than 60% of outdoor enthusiasts age 18-44 use technology to
search for information on outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Advances in technology have played a role in the attractiveness of
outdoor activities such as lightweight and water proof electronics.

4. BACKPACKER
The 10 Best Apps for the Outdoors
1. MotionX GPS: This app offers attractive topographical maps that can
be downloaded ahead of time so you’re not reliant on spotty or
nonexistent 3G coverage in the boonies.
2. GPS Trip Journal: Capture photos and take notes tied to waypoints
to create a rich, Indiana Jones-style journal of your adventures.
3. Elevation Pro: Tap anywhere on the map or satellite view to get an
instant readout of its elevation, based on the internal GPS or USGS
surveying.
4. Peaks: Hold your camera up to the landscape, and Peaks adds the
names of all the mountains within range, their elevation, and your
distance from them.
5. Park Maps: Download the official Park Service map of any national
park in the United States.

5. 6. GoSkyWatch Planetarium: Enjoy the night sky even more with this
app, which gives you information on whatever celestial body you point to.
7. Sunrise: Determine the exact time of sunrise, sunset, and twilight
before and after each based on your precise geographical location.
8. Backpacker Checklist: Make sure you have everything you need with
this thorough checklist.
9. GoToAid: Clear, nicely illustrated instructions for medical emergencies
from minor cuts to broken arms.
10. US Army Survival Guide: Deal with anything nature throws at you,
Army-style, with this thorough survival reference. Chapters on food- and
water-finding skills, shelter, and firecraft join appendices on plant and
animal identification.

6. Meetup
Connects people of similar
interests within the same
location to meet and enjoy their
hobbies offline.

7. The Sibley e-Guide to
the Birds of North
America
Lists an index of birds in your
location.
See numerous photos, find their
location on a map and listen to
bird calls.

8. REI
Shop for outdoor equipment
and apparel for any outdoor
sport. Purchase with your
mobile device or locate a
store near you.

9. iTrail Map
View maps of ski resorts across
the US and other continents.
Locate the easy or difficult
slopes, lifts, and hotel locations.

10. Resources
• 10 Best iPhone Apps for the Outdoors, Logan Kugler, Backpacker,
http://www.backpacker.com/10-best-iphone-apps-for-the-
outdoors/gear/14590
• The Outdoor Recreation Economy, Outdoor Industry Association,
2012
• Trends in Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Michigan State Parks &
Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel,
http://janus.pscinc.com/ParkandRecPanel/panel_materials/National
%20Recreation%20Trends%20White%20Paper.pdf