Some folks cringe when they see travelers using cell phones in a backcountry setting, and while I understand the sentiment, I wouldn’t be caught dead without my phone when heading into the field. The purists can gripe all they want, but as far as I’m concerned, if digital mapping, satellite navigation, and route planning software can increase my margin of safety when I’m getting off the beaten path, I’ll take technology along for the ride.
If you’re like me and value the advantages that smartphones bring to offroad travel, you’ll be interested to learn that Emprise Group Holdings, the company that brought you Hema Maps, has just released a new app called CamperX for the overlanding community.
CAMPERX is a new smartphone app purpose-built for overlanding
CamperX is aimed at regional touring in Australia (sorry North America, but this is currently AU only. Contact HEMA info@emprisegroup.com.au and request for your country too), combining maps from Hema with the “most comprehensive” database of campsites and caravan parks, plus trip planning software and navigation tools—in short, a standalone overlanding app. CamperX is available on ANY device thanks to the HemaX platform (in tech speak: a cutting-edge technology stack).
This app functions with or without cell signal and assists in navigating Australia’s entire road network, including remote roads and off-road tracks, thanks to its rich content (a mix of audio, video, images, and text). But CamperX promises to be more than just a navigation tool.
“The whole concept of HemaX is to bring the best content, the best maps, and the best technology together to help grow regional tourism. We will work in close collaboration with the regions and their communities and help bring visitation back once the impact of this tragic year is behind us,” says Emprise CEO Rob Gallagher.
Yes, 2020 has been a rough one so far, and the current travel restrictions aren’t exactly inspiring us to pack up the family and head out the door. But that doesn’t mean CamperX will languish and, in fact, right now could be the perfect time to download this new tool and put the trip-planning features to use. CamperX boasts an impressive 100,000 points of interest that are “extensively moderated and verified,” something I haven’t seen many (any?) smartphone travel apps claim.
CamperX is currently available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Learn more at Camperx.com.au
