BDY Environmental LLC is currently preparing several iPhone Applications that can be used for the identification of plants and animals native to the Great Smoky Mountains and Southern Appalachian Mountain Range. The intent of the project is not to discourage the use of available printed guides and taxonomic key, but instead to provide a supplemental tool that will allow for quick reference in the field for beginning and experienced naturalist.  These applications will be available through iTunes for use on both the iPhone and iPod Touch. These applications will work on iPad devices, although with limited screen resolution. Forthcoming updates will address this issue. Since these applications will be standalone programs contained entirely within the device, internet connectivity is not required for use. The currently available applications will soon be adapted for use on Android devices.

Contact Us for more information regarding our current or future mobile applications.

1. GSM Wildflowers

   This application currently covers 178 of the most commonly observed wildflower species within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding regions.  The current focus of the project is primarily herbaceous plants, although some sub-shrub and woody vines have been included.  These species are represented by over 450 images and detailed descriptions that include information regarding plant characteristics such as: approximate height, flower color, leaf type, leaf arrangement, leaf size and margins, inflorescence types, flower attributes, flowering period, and habitats.  The formulation of these original species descriptions utilized regional taxonomic keys, existing plant guides, and personal observations.  The primary goal of this project was to raise awareness of the incredible biological diversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding environs.  In an effort to achieve this goal we have dedicated up to 25% of our proceeds generated from the sale of this application to Discover Life in America.

   
2. Mammals of the Great Smoky Mountains & the Southern Appalachians

   This first version of the application currently covers the 69 mammal species that are either known or historically documented as occurring within the GSMNP and surrounding regions. These species are represented by 266 images and detailed descriptions that include information regarding morphological attributes, range, preferred habitat and food, behavior, and significance to the GSMNP. Discover Life in America has provided maps showing documented and potential distribution within the park. The formulation of these original species descriptions utilized regional taxonomic keys, existing mammal guides, and personal observations. Literature consulted in the preparation of these descriptions is included in the Literature Cited section below. It must be noted, that without the hard work and significant contributions of researchers and their published literature, this effort could not have been possible. In an effort to appeal to the amateur user, all measurements included within the application adhere to the American system of measurement (i.e., inches and feet) since the metric system is not widely adopted outside of the scientific community within the United States. The primary goal of this project was to raise awareness of the incredible biological diversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding environs.  In an effort to achieve this goal we have dedicated a portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of this application to Discover Life in America.