Theodolite iPhone App Adds MGRS, Optical and Mechanical Rangefinders

Based on the concept of a centuries-old astronomical instrument, Theodolite overlays real-time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the iPhone’s live camera image, turning the iPhone into a sophisticated location-aware viewfinder.

Williamsburg, VA, March 22, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Hunter Research and Technology announces the immediate worldwide availability of Theodolite 1.2 on the iTunes App Store. This novel multi-function augmented reality app for the iPhone serves as a compass, GPS, map, zoom camera, rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer. Theodolite became the top selling navigation app in the US and UK App Stores in December 2009 after being featured by Apple in the New and Noteworthy category of the iTunes App Store, and broke into the Top 40 Paid Apps ranking in the US and Top 20 in the UK.

Based on the concept of a centuries-old astronomical instrument, Theodolite overlays real-time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the iPhone’s live camera image, turning the iPhone into a sophisticated location-aware viewfinder. Theodolite lets users take geo-stamped camera images directly from the app with 2X and 4X digital zoom options, and contains a built-in map with standard, satellite, and hybrid views. Uses are endless, from land surveying to basic navigation, and the app is great for hiking, boating, hunting, sightseeing, photography, and sports.

Theodolite 1.2 continues the steady progression of features being added to the app. New features include multiple position formats including absolute and relative latitude/longitude coordinates and Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) coordinates. A calibrated optical rangefinder reticle has been added to the augmented reality display, allowing users to quickly estimate distance to objects and landmarks in view. This is backed up by a more precise mechanical rangefinder in Theodolite’s A-B calculator, which uses the device’s accelerometer to estimate range from changes in elevation angle.

Pricing and Availability: Theodolite 1.2 is $1.99 on the iTunes App Store. The app runs on any generation iPhone with OS 3.1 or later. GPS functionality requires an iPhone 3G or 3GS. Compass functionality requires an iPhone 3GS.

More information, including screenshots, is available on the Hunter Research and Technology website. Media professionals interested in reviewing Theodolite can request a promotional code to download the app from iTunes at no cost.

For more information, see: http://hunter.pairsite.com/theodolite/

Hunter Research and Technology is run by Dr. Craig Hunter, a practicing engineer with over 18 years experience in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and software development. Craig received the 2004 NASA Software of the Year Award and a 2004 Apple Design Award (Best Scientific Computing Solution on Mac OS X) for his work in software development. Craig founded Hunter Research and Technology in 2008 to create innovative, relevant, and compelling apps that take advantage of the advanced hardware and software capabilities of iPhone OS devices. The company currently has eleven apps available on the iTunes App Store, with more in development.