A new smart phone or tablet canal app that shows maps with up to date details about locks, bridges and moorings is proving popular according to River Canal Rescue. They say demand for the regional navigation tool for Android, Smartphone and iphone/ipad devices has been high since its official launch in January this year.
Up until 31 March, the e-canalmapp app was downloaded by 1100 users. It provides boaters with instant mapping and local information, such as places of interest and waterway updates for locks, bridges and moorings.
Dependent upon the type of device, the app can be downloaded from Google Play, www.e-canalmapp.co or http://www.rivercanalrescue.co.ukat £6.00 per region. It’s free to RCR members who can choose a region of their choice and additional areas are discounted.
Plans are underway to include extra features which will simplify accident assessment and claims, plus there’s talk of developing a ‘panic button’ to help in an emergency – similar to those offered by car breakdown services.
The App was showcased at Crick last year and trialled for a period of time in order to make software revisions for the wide range of mobile devices now available.
River Canal Rescue, Managing Director, Stephanie Horton comments:
More and more people have access to sophisticated hand-held devices, so it makes sense to harness this technology and provide relevant and real-time local information for boat owners. In the past, they would have needed a GPS-enabled computer on board. It’s great to see demand is growing for this type of thing and I look forward to adding to its capability in the future.
