Nonprofit giant National Geographic Society is celebrating National Parks Week and Earth Day by expanding its portfolio of mobile applications.

The organization?s new applications include National Parks Maps app for iPad and iPhone, the Geo Bee Challenge app for Android,iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, and the Build It Green! Back to the Beach game for iPad. In addition, National Geographic has upgraded its World Atlas app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

?National Geographic continues to develop quality applications that feature our compelling content on multiple platforms, add value for consumers and allow the brand to engage consumers and new audiences in meaningful ways,? said Aaron Kohn, vice president of corporate strategy and development and general manager of mobile at National Geographic, Washington.

?The target demographic varies for each app,? he said. ?For example, the National Parks Maps app is geared towards outdoor and travel enthusiasts, family trip planners and armchair explorers.

?The World Atlas is geared towards individuals interested in maps and geography, and the GeoBee Challenge is for those who would like to test their geography skills in a fun and educational application.?

Nat Geo apps galore
The nonprofit organization?s National Parks Maps app for iPad and iPhone is designed to help outdoor enthusiasts explore 15 of the top U.S. National Parks with National Geographic?s Trails Illustrated maps.

The app includes detailed maps, the ability to download additional maps at higher zoom levels at no additional cost, bonus trip planning information and offline access.

The application also lets users view their current position on the map and mark places of interest and search for places by name or browse by category to see what is nearby.

There is also a tool to help users find campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor centers and other facilities, or locate hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, summits and other points of interest.

The Geo Bee Challenge app, inspired by the organization?s annual National Geographic Bee competition?now in its 23rd year?is now available on iPad, iPhone  and iPod touch and in Android Market.

The app features three types of game-play?multiple choice, map challenge and a bonus round featuring National Geographic photography.

There will be promotion of the app leading up to the National Geographic Bee finals, which will take place May 24-25 in Washington.

Following the geography theme, National Geographic?s World Atlas app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch was recently updated.

The organization has added a new 3D globe to the app?s initial home screen, improved image quality and legibility and an updated Flags & Facts section with current information, including recent changes to areas such as Southern Sudan.

In addition, National Geographic has added touch-hold behavior to identify nations from the globe and all map zoom levels.

Finally, following its release for PCs, National Geographic has released the Build It Green! Back to the Beach game for iPad at http://games.nationalgeographic.com.

The mobile game is set in the fictional Seaside Island?once a paradise with proud traditions now strained with needless commerce and development.

As the mayor of the island, the player sets right what has gone wrong by helping the inhabitants build environmentally safe housing and facilities with the latest green technology.

The game costs $3.99 in the iTunes App Store.

National Geographic will use variousmarketing tactics to get the word out about each app.

?There will be some paid advertising, depending on the app, and we are reaching out to reviewers and others to build buzz about our offerings,? Mr. Kohn said. ?These particular apps are pay-per-download, but we have a multifaceted approach of offering free, ad-supported, pay-per-download, subscription and pay-plus-ad-supported.

?Smartphones and tablets provide additional platforms for National Geographic to bring its content to consumers,? he said.

?We continue to work to create dynamic experiences for these devices that will showcase our stunning photography and video, informative maps, travel destination profiles, immersive games and more.?

Final Take