NASA's satellites circle the globe every day and provide a host of free information, but accessing these data for a particular site over time can be cumbersome. The World Daily is a new iPhone app ($1.99, not available on Android yet) that makes it simple to select a field site and monitor twice-daily updates from the MODIS satellites. The satellite images are too coarse to identify animals, plants, or even small streams and lakes, but you can monitor regional changes in cloud cover, fog, and vegetation color. The app also provides access to remote sensing band combinations to highlight snow cover and wildfires. This app would be a great tool to keep tabs on a remote field site you aren't able to visit as often as you like. It is also a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Earth from space.
To learn more and see examples, go to: http://www.facebook.com/TheWorldDaily To download the app, go to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-world-daily/id522706360?mt=8 Kirk Klausmeyer
