I love geogcaching and orienteering. Many paratroopers rely on Navelite’s tactical compasses which are worn on the wrist near their altimeter.

I use my phone quite a bit for both and I HATE the organic compass that comes with my phone. There are some good apps out there, I was happy to see the new app from NavELite. It’s available on nearly every Android device that runs version 2.2 or newer. Inspired by the NavELite Wrist-Worn, Backlit Magnetic Compass, the NavELite Compass app provides basic compass functionality using the Android device’s magnetometer. There are two lighting modes showing a daylight (white) face and needle of the compass and an “illuminated” (blue-green) face and needle that simulates the electroluminescent technology. This is one of the features I like over other apps that are too bright and can ruin natural night vision during use.

The magnetic heading is displayed and the compass dial can be rotated to orient the Android device to the direction of travel. The NavELite Compass app is available for download for FREE through Google play.

However, if you still prefer a real compass or aren’t too confident in your phone’s internal magnetometer, the NavELite BLMC can be purchased online at www.NavELite.com for a retail costof $79.99.