Daily Bits

National Geographic

These Photos Will Make Your Jaw Drop

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Taking photos is easy, especially with the high tech cameras one can easily purchase these days. You just turn the device on, point, and then shoot.

Taking awesome photos is a totally different story, though. I don’t know how those guys do it – they must have a special gift within them that they have nurtured and honed over the years. While it is true that the subject does have a huge role to play, there must be something else that makes certain photos as powerful as they are.

National Geographic has a photo of the day section, and true to their reputation, they showcase only the best that one can see. ((National Geographic Photography))

When I first saw this photo, I told myself, “Forget the old saying that pictures say a thousand words!” This photo goes beyond that. It takes the need for words away. It inundates you with all the words you know. It just is amazing.
camel-thorn-trees-namibia
This photo was taken in Namibia by Frans Lanting, and it shows camel thorn trees in Namib-Naukluft Park. It looks like a painting that only a master can create, but it is a photo!
aurora-iceland
This one is of the Aurora Borealis in Iceland and is taken by Olgeir Andresson. Doesn’t that make you want to hop onto a plane and go see it with your own eyes?
sea-grass-bodega-head
Taken in California (Bodega Head) by David Liittschwager, this photo of sea grass atop rocks with the lone starfish at the center is nothing less than awesome.

Aren’t these lovely images to take with you over the weekend?

National Geographic’s iPhone Atlas Uses Bing Maps

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In their latest foray into the iPhone apps market, National Geographic is bringing in their version of the World Atlas.  This iPhone app lets you view 7 different levels of cartography, 3 maps styles and a location finder around the world containing 7 million place listings.  In addition, the app also makes use of the Bing Maps platform, embedded right into the heart of the said iPhone application, even serving as a mapping option.

National Geographic claims that its iPhone app utilizes the “highest resolution”  press ready images. Hence giving you the same rich details and graphics quality of the maps it actually has on the printed, published world maps and atlases. In addition, their iPhone app als features a built-in search tool and places directory to help you easily locate even the most remote places eer known to mankind.

Here’s a rundown of the full features of the National Geographic World Atlas for iPhone:

  • High resolution National Geographic cartography, the same used to print our award-winning wall maps and bound atlases!
  • Preloaded with 3 different styles of world maps, down to country detail. Additional detailed zoom levels and Microsoft Bing maps require internet connection to view. Map Library feature allows you to download and save National Geographic maps for faster access and offline use.
  • Easy-to-use and fast place name search tool, with over 6 million database entries (major cities index is preloaded; full search requires internet or cell connection).
  • World Flags and Facts database, expertly edited and up-to-date with concise socio-economic and geographic data.
  • Push pin tool enables you to mark, annotate, and save your favorite places. Push pins come in a variety of colors and can tap into your iPhoto library or camera.
  • GPS enabled iPhones can center the maps to show your current location.

The National Geographic World Atlas for iPhone will cost you $1.99. You may download the iPhone apps from this iTunes Link.