Find cell phone coverage and set up contact alerts with Cairn
If you are headed to a spot in the great outdoors, safety is important. Whether you are hiking on a trail in Yellowstone National Park or near Mount Rainier, it is likely that you are wondering what the cell phone service is like in case there is an emergency. An app called Cairn can not only show you coverage in the area but alert your contacts if you do not check in on time.
Cairn coverage
You can view a standard or satellite map for the location you plan to visit and zoom in to see the cell phone coverage in the area. You can also download coverage points automatically so that when you are without coverage, you will know where to find it. You can even configure how often the app collects your travel data, which is quite useful.
Cairn alerts
You will first set up your trip in the app by adding the location you will be visiting along with the day and time you plan to return. Then, choose the contacts you would like to have notified via email regarding your trip. They will receive a message when you leave and return, or if you do not check in at all. They will also get a map of the spots the app tracked you during your trip.
Feel safe
The concept behind Cairn is a good one. You can feel safer in spots where you expect cell phone coverage to be weak or non-existent. And, letting your friends or family know that you are okay is a terrific feature. Cairn is the perfect app for those who spend a lot of time hiking on trails or just walking through those large national parks. Just keep in mind that GPS running in the background can decrease your device’s battery life.
Cairn is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It is available for free on the App Store without in-app purchases. For stories today, take a look at How can I clear my iPhone’s memory without rebooting? or No kidding: You can now access Gmail right within Yahoo Mail.