BootPrint - Pocket Survival

* Tracks your cell tower locations for safety, in case you need to backtrack with no cell service. *

FAQ: I see the location services arrow on my phone even when I close this app, is the GPS on? No, this app uses a new feature that only checks cell tower changes, the GPS is not on even though the arrow shows up, your battery will not be drained.

FAQ: I have been in and out of cell service, when I hit backtrack it tells me the direction and distance is to the last town, is that normal? Yes, the app stores the last "strongest" cell tower location, which usually is the last town/city. It may be that spotty cell service is closer, but the app will not store that, since it may not be a strong enough signal.

If you have your iPhone with you, and this app, you can feel safe in knowing you could find your way to safety, if lost with no cell signal.

You can think of this app like a car spare tire, you hope you dont need to use it, but if you have a flat tire, you are so glad you have one! This app is one you can start and then forget about, but will be so glad you have it in the case of an emergency.

We never "plan" to get lost. The one thing you usually always have with you is your phone. It is easy to forget your GPS when you go hiking, camping or a road trip. Most of the iPhone GPS apps and car 911 systems require cell service to fully work. This app does not need pre-loaded maps or a cell signal when lost!

We use a brand new iOS 4 GPS feature that uses basically no extra battery power, it checks for cell tower changes only. It saves the location of the strongest cell tower automatically for you, as you walk/drive, all in the background. In the case you do get lost, the last known (strongest) cell tower will be saved and ready! (This saved location is completely private, and only on your phone, no one else can see it).

Simple to use. You just start the app, wait for GPS "SAVED LOCATION" data, hit the "HOME" button, then let it sit in the background out of sight (a iOS 4 Multitasking feature). It will continuously update your last known tower location.

If you find yourself in an emergency with no cell service, re-launch this app back to foreground mode. With one click on "the BOOT" icon, it will then show you the distance and compass heading back to the last known location where calls/texts can be made. This could be a real Life Saver!

IMPORTANT: This app is meant to be an aid in finding a Cell Tower when you have no cell service. This app will provide a straight line heading from point A (where you are) to point B (latest saved location where a strong cell tower connected), this may not always be the best route. For example, it may be the direct route crosses a river. Common sense needs to be #1, and this app #2 when it comes to making the best decision.

Notes:

I have tested this app extensively in real life conditions, including hiking in remote areas, and driving hundreds of miles in and out of cell coverage. Remember, this app stores the last strongest cell tower location, so its normal for example, if you just lost cell service, for this app to show a longer distance back, (usually back to the last town). This is because it saves the tower location, not your physical location (this is why it uses little to no battery power).

FAQ: Will this drain my battery?

No.

I use a new 4.0 iOS feature "significant location changes" that uses very little (almost no additional) battery power. It runs in the background, but does not need to power up the GPS. The GPS is not needed with this new feature, it only saves cell tower locations, so almost no battery power is used. I have extensively tested this app, and have noted no difference in battery use with it on or off with my iPhone.