Price: $0.99

SpaceWalking Review

Our Review

SpaceWalking uses the iPhone’s GPS system and map navigation tools to create a “virtual” scale model of the solar system that you can actually navigate, on foot.

In the first step, the user defines the scale by selecting among several options for scale distance representing 1 Astronomical Unit (1 AU), which is defined as the distance between the earth and sun. The smallest distance reaches the limits of GPS accuracy and is appropriate for a short neighborhood walk, the next higher is more appropriate for a short bike ride, all the way up to a drive stretching halfway across the state.

After selecting the scale, the user points the phone in the direction in which the desired direction of travel, and selects the starting point for the spacewalk, which may be any celestial body within the solar system. The app then places pins on the map to superimpose the relative locations of the planets with respect to the map. The user can then switch to planet view, which simulates the space walk by providing graphic representations of the planets and other heavenly bodies, complete with the spooky space music and the ability to “pan” an orbit around the body and to access information about it.

I am really impressed with the innovation of this app, particularly in the use of mobile technology to bring scientific concepts closer to human experience. To me, this type of application represents the best of what technology can offer humans and society. This would be a great tool to assist a student who is learning about astronomy in gaining a perceptual context of relative distances in the solar system.

By Age Range, By App Feature, For Parents, High School +, Middle School, Primary School, Reviews, Science

September 20th, 2010 by Nina Ignaczak Share

Application Detail

SpaceWalking

Developer: eduweb
Released: 2010-08-26 00:00:00
Price: $0.99

Description from the Developer

Explore the Solar System -- on foot! SpaceWalking is an augmented-reality app that creates a virtual model of the Solar System around you, reduced to a walkable scale.

SpaceWalking requires iPhone 3GS, 4, or 4S. This version fixes the issue with crashes in iOS 5.

Watch the video at www.space-walking.com!

"Maybe one of the coolest [iPhone apps] out there."
-Examiner.com

"An original and innovative concept and if you are even remotely interested in space exploration, check it out."
-AppSafari

"Really impressed with the innovation of this app, particularly in the use of mobile technology to bring scientific concepts closer to human experience. To me, this type of application represents the best of what technology can offer humans and society."
-GiggleApps

Walk across the street to visit Venus, Head down the block to Jupiter, and stretch your legs to get a glimpse of Pluto. As you walk around, your iPhone displays the the Sun, planets, moons and other objects, with all distances and object sizes to scale.

Adjust the distance scale to fit the solar system inside your neighborhood or across your city. Earn achievements and send reports of your journeys to Facebook and Twitter!

It's simple to use:
1) Choose a scale. The Solar System ranges from one to 40 kilometers (.6 to 24 miles) in size, depending on the scale you select.
2) Choose a Starting Point: You can start at the Sun and walk the entire Solar System, or start at one of the planets for area exploration.
3) Create the scale model of the Solar System. The Solar System is laid out in a straight line, so face the direction that you want to walk.
4) Switch to PlanetView and your device screen becomes a window into this virtual world. The distance to the nearest planet is shown in the blue bar at the top. When you come within range of a planet, the phone will vibrate and a "Visit" button will appear onscreen in PlanetView. This appears when you are about 28 million kilometers from a planet.
5) When Visiting a planet, you can touch the names of the planet and any moons to zoom in close. Be sure to notice the real-world diameters of these objects, displayed at the bottom of the screen, to truly appreciate the vast size of the Solar System and the smallness of the planets! Press the Back button to step back to the Visit view, and then touch Back again to resume walking around from planet to planet.
6) The virtual Solar System includes the Sun, eight planets, and several representatives of the Asteroid and Kuiper Belts. As you walk from planet to planet, keep an eye out for other objects, from asteroids to comets to spacecraft! Most of these are found among the inner planets.
7) Touch the Share button to post to Twitter and Facebook.
8) There are over a dozen Achievements you can earn by exploring the Solar System. Go to Options to access the list of Achievements. Achievements will appear in PlanetView when you earn them.

A good GPS signal is necessary for this app to work properly, so it is best used out-of-doors and, when outdoors, away from tall buildings. You will probably obtain weak GPS signals when indoors. Car dashboards can interfere with the compass, making the app perform poorly.

Go to our website for more tips and information: www.space-walking.com