Three New Mobile Apps from U.S. Government Organizations

1. FBI Child ID (iOS Only, Free)

2. NPS National Mall (iOS Only, Free)
A guide to the Mall from the people who manage it, the National Park Service. The app includes an augmented reality tool. Here’s what the app offers:

Map – Official National Park Service map of the central tourist area in Washington, D.C. Easy to use while outdoors, the map features large font sizes, walkways that are easily distinguishable from roads, and three zoom levels. By tapping the “Locate me” icon you will always know where you are.

Park Lens – Find out what is around you with augmented reality. Just hold up your device and look through the camera. Labels will appear identifying all sites on the National Mall.

Walking directions – Get from one place to another by following a line on the map or a list of directions. Estimated walking times are given.

Sites – Learn more about points of interest with lively text, professional photographs, and engaging podcasts under the “Album” button. The “Info” button includes the site’s location, hours of operation, nearest Metro station, and other essential information.

Tours – Follow a recommended tour depending on how much time you have or your special interest—from memorials to presidents to military monuments to destinations off the beaten path. You can even create personal tours with the “My Tour” feature—just tap the “+” at the bottom right of a site page. The app maps the route for you.

Events and News – Get up-to-date information from the National Park Service about what is happening at the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Postcard – Send a digital postcard to friends and family from the National Mall with the tap of a button.

Accessibility – Audio described images combined with the built-in iOS accessibility features will let all people enjoy the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Park Partner – The Trust for the National Mall strives to make the National Mall the best park in the world. Learn more about the essential assistance this organization provides.

Small size – Weighing in at 13.7MB, the app will download relatively quickly via a 3G cellular connection or the free Wi-Fi available on the east end the National Mall.

3. U.S. Government Per Diem Mobile App (For Blackberry or iOS, Free)

This app allows travelers to look up Federal government per diem rates by city/state and ZIP code in locations throughout the United States and its territories. Per diem is the daily allowance for lodging (excluding taxes), meals and incidental expenses.

These rates are established by the General Services Administration for destinations in the lower 48 contiguous United States, and by the U.S. Department of Defense for locations in Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territories. The U.S. Department of State sets rates for foreign travel locations.

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Maps, News, Podcasts, Resources