HMdb Goes Mobile - The Historical Marker Database

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HMdb.org Goes Mobile
You’re standing in front of a marker and don’t know if it is already in the database. Should you take multiple photos and write down the location and map coordinates and chase down the subject for more photos? Or should you move on? Or, you’re out and about and simply want to know what markers are near you. HMdb.org can help. Use the browser on your data-enabled cell phone. Go to hmdb.org/a, enter your location, and you’ll get a list of up to 20 of the nearest markers (those within 10-15 miles) and how far they are from you. It’s that simple. Then click on a marker’s name to get its location and the marker’s text. If your mobile phone is an iPhone 3 or higher, Android 2 or higher, Windows Phone 7.5 or higher you'll be asked permission to send your location to HMdb.org. If you don't get asked, then your browser is an earlier version that does not want to cooperate. You'll have to get your coordinates from a GSP device (perhaps another app on the phone), scribble it down on a scrap of paper, and enter it manually. The reason for the cryptic page name, the “a” in “hmdb.org/a”, is to make it faster to key it into the phone. For even faster access, take the time to put the link into your phone’s “My Links” bookmark list so you can go to it with just a few clicks. Can't find your latitude and longitude manually? Scroll down and key in a partial name of a nearby marker into your phone. The system will show you any matches and their locations. Note: Sometimes a GPS-enabled phone will provide your exact location. Other times it may provide the location of a nearby cell phone tower. It depends on its mood, and perhaps on how long since you took it out of your pocket. It can take some time to find those GPS satellites and lock in on their signals.