Item: Sky Map
Rating: 9
Author: Peter Warrior

Screenshots

Sky Map's review

Published: 2011-05-12, by Peter Warrior.

Google Sky Maps uses the Google Maps technology but applied in reverse.

Absolutely free.
Wise and original use.

"Not a single glance at the stars without your smartphone"

Instead of streets and squares we will be able to see the constellations and planets from our position. That means that if you are in a unintelligently lit city, an underground bunker or anywhere indoor then you will just know what stars you can't view. But if you are luckily outdoor, in a summer night, happily alone o with someone special at your side...then it’s when you can fully embrace the XXIst century and cry out to heaven how cool it’s having a smartphone.

Let me explain. When you point your phone at the sky, the planets and constellations will be shown. You can just browse the sky or look for a specific celestial object.

We dreamt with stuff like this when we were kids. Don't think how useful this app can be.

Think how wonderful it is.

Google Sky Maps needs no further introduction. It’s a reason by itself to buy an Android smartphone.

Tags: google sky may , google skymaps , sky maps , google sky maps , skymap , google sky map , google sky map qr code , o;jkp;m'm , google skymap

by Peter , Appszoom

May 12, 2011

Description

Sky Map is a hand-held planetarium for your Android device. Use it to identify stars, planets, nebulae and more.

Originally developed as Google Sky Map, it has now been donated and open sourced.

Troubleshooting/FAQ
The Map doesn't move/points in the wrong place
Make sure you haven't switched into manual mode. Does your phone have a compass? If not, Sky Map cannot tell your orientation. Look it up here: http://www.gsmarena.com/

Try calibrating your compass by moving it in a figure of 8 motion or as described here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1EPbAapaeI.
Are there any magnets or metal nearby that might interfere with the compass? Try switching off "magnetic correction" (in settings) and see if that is more accurate.

Why is autolocation not supported for my phone?
In Android 6 the way permissions work has changed. You need to enable the location permission setting for Sky Map as described here:
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6270602?p=app_permissons_m

The Map is jittery
Try adjusting the sensor speed and damping (in settings). We have a better solution coming soon!

Do I need an internet connection?
No, but some functions (like entering your location manually) won't work without one. You'll have to use the GPS or enter a latitude and longitude instead.

Can I help test the latest features?
Sure! Join our beta testing program and get the latest version.

https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.google.android.stardroid

Find us elsewhere:
* https://github.com/sky-map-team/stardroid (github - source code)
* http://goo.gl/XWjRg (Google Plus)
* http://groups.google.com/group/google-sky-map
* http://twitter.com/skymapdevs