Instant Panorama 2.5 is an application for android mobile devices.
It draws detailed 360° views and names all visible mountains and mountain ranges.
Instant Panorama 2.5 works offline i.e. you do not need to be connected to a network to have your panorama generated. The new version fixes map processing errors that occurred in InstantPanorama 2.0.
The application draws a view from any point on Earth (your current location). To be exact: you location must be south of latitude 60N (approximately the location of Helsinki, Finland or Anchorage, USA) and north of latitude 55S (Ushuala, Argentina). The panorama image is generated using previously downloaded map in real time from any hiking location i.e. you can be in a valley, mountain top or somewhere in the middle. The displayed vista moves as you move the device always displaying the view where the phone points to. You can also move the image left or right by touching the screen.
Our database contains 340 000 named mountain peaks and mountain ranges. The number of named features is adjusted to the screen size of your phone. For devices with small display, naming all visible mountains is in some cases overwhelming for the user. That is why we have created a 'label density' option, which allows the user to see only the most important features. Also, in the future we will display other features like: lakes, rivers, cities etc.
The big difference between Instant Panorama 2.0 and previous version are downloadable maps i.e. you can use it offline. You will need to download (for free) a map of the area you are interested in before you go on a trip. We feature more than 500 downloadable maps of the whole world, each around 30MB. You can select and download up to 6 maps using the 'Load Map' menu option. All maps are compressed to speed up the download process.
Seeing a feature rich mountain vista is great, but seeing it with friends is even better. You will be able to send your 360° panoramas to others using the 'Send' feature.
The application uses the orientation sensor to orient your panorama. In this way the panorama displayed on your mobile device will match what is behind it. Turning your phone left or right will cause the panorama to follow your moves. You can turn this feature off my selecting 'Off' in the 'Compass' menu option.
Panoramas are generated with the assumption that you are 10m (30ft) above ground. The reason for this is that we want to show the panorama without near obstacles. As a consequence the panorama generated in shallow valleys might contain little more details than you will normally see.
When you take a break during your hike and look around, it is nice to know what you see. Using this application you will be able to name to your hiking party all visible mountain peaks and soon also other features.
Devices: Android 2.2 or later
Application will need the access to:
Hiking view from Mt. Washington, White Mountains - low label density
Hiking panorama from Klein Matterhorn, Alps - medium label density
Hiking vista from Rysy, Tatra Mountains - high label density
