Geography

The range of geography apps is beginning to grow and I can see this really taking off as developers take advantage of the advances in geo-tagging and location services. Developers will be able to implement the global position of the iPad within the app in order to add functionality and local interest.

The large screen and the kind of technology behind Google Earth/Maps means scrolling round and zooming in on the detail of maps and atlases is a delight. This also works well with the many star-scape apps out there too. Apps such as Wundermap demonstrate how blending information from Google Maps with climate details from local weather stations, makes the iPad a very useful device for teaching and learning.

Google Earth (free)

The same app as you find on a desktop computer but designed for the gorgeous and tactile iPad screen.

Globe (free)

Really useful geography app providing a 3D globe with relevant information on each country.

World Fact Book (£1.49)

Geographical-based reference book with tons of diverse information on all countries.

Country Quiz (£0.69)

Simple but effective geography quiz using the continents - maps are a little small but still worth 59p!

World Atlas (£1.49)

Atlas from National Geographic which also has extra info on individual countries including national flags.

The Guardian Eyewitness (free)

Covers many curriculum areas especially geography - some images not suitable for young children.

123 World Geography (£1.49)

Colouring app which helps learners to identify continents and countries.

GeogXpert (£1.49)

Good for learning locations of countries & their capital cities + the States of USA (no Canada!).

Accu Weather (free/£0.69)

Nicely put together location-based weather app which has some useful features - paid app loses ads.

GB Road Atlas 250K (free)

Ordnance Survey road map of UK - great for looking in detail at the road system - can add waypoints.

iGéo Quiz (free/£1.49p)

Fun way of locating cities of France - paid version covers capitals of Europe in French!

Compass HD (free)

Simple but functional compass for the iPad - keep away from magnetic sources such as a computer.

World Explorer (free)

Geo reference app which uses location and 350,000 articles to explore the world - rated as 12+.

Easy Globe (£2.49)

Geography quiz based on continents, countries and rivers plus some in-app purchases.

iGeology (free)

British Geological Survey based app which gives detailed analysis of UK - needs web connection.

WunderMap (free)

Uses Google Maps, local satellite & weather station data to provide comprehensive weather details.

ESO Top 100 (free)

Astonishing collection of high quality astronomical images including galaxies and nebulae.

Earth Observer (£0.69)

Excellent app which has so many uses for geography related learning in schools.

Beautiful Planet (£1.49)

Wonderful collection of 570 photographs from all over the planet - good for any number of projects.

WeatherBug (free/£2.99)

Global weather forecasting app which can use iPad’s location for local analysis - paid version loses ads.

Geogame (free/£2.99)

Geography quiz app which splits world into zones & test knowledge of countries - paid unlocks all zones.

Tap Quiz Maps World Edition (free/£0.69)

Another quiz game based on identifying the different countries within continents - paid unlocks features.

Ansel & Clair’s Adventures in Africa (£2.99)

Immersive adventure game for KS1 & 2 children which explores the continent of Africa.

Fotopedia Heritage (free)

Created in cooperation with UNESCO World Heritage Centre - virtual tour of the world - 12+.

Spotzi-Atlas (£1.49)

Another useful atlas which overlays various pieces of information on a world map.

GeoPop (£0.69)

Fun geography game to identify cities, landmarks, culture, history and other facts about countries.

ArcGIS (free)

Similar to Spotzi above - atlas with overlaying info features but this one is free.

MapTrace (£0.69)

Calculates distance, area and elevation of routes drawn on map - potentially many uses for learning.

Geomaster Plus HD (free/£2.49)

Possibly the best country and capital naming atlas quiz with some good extra features like world flags.

TourWrist (free)

Brilliant app which uses 360 degree views of various places in the world to give an immersive experience.