Hunter Research and Technology has released Theodolite 1.2 on the iTunes App Store

Hunter Research and Technology has released Theodolite 1.2 on the iTunes App Store. This novel multi-function augmented reality app for the iPhone serves as a compass, GPS, map, zoom camera, rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer. Theodolite became the top selling navigation app in the US and UK App Stores in December 2009 after being featured by Apple in the New and Noteworthy category of the iTunes App Store, and broke into the Top 40 Paid Apps ranking in the US and Top 20 in the UK.

Based on the concept of a centuries-old astronomical instrument, Theodolite overlays real-time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the iPhone's live camera image, turning the iPhone into a sophisticated location-aware viewfinder. Theodolite lets users take geo-stamped camera images directly from the app with 2X and 4X digital zoom options, and contains a built-in map with standard, satellite, and hybrid views. Uses are endless, from land surveying to basic navigation, and the app is great for hiking, boating, hunting, sightseeing, photography, and sports.

Theodolite 1.2 continues the steady progression of features being added to the app. New features include multiple position formats including absolute and relative latitude/longitude coordinates and Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) coordinates. A calibrated optical rangefinder reticle has been added to the augmented reality display, allowing users to quickly estimate distance to objects and landmarks in view. This is backed up by a more precise mechanical rangefinder in Theodolite's A-B calculator, which uses the device's accelerometer to estimate range from changes in elevation angle.