# Terra — Astronomical, geographical > Interactive 3D globe for astronomical, geographical, and weather information. (iPhone/iPad app by David Rowland.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terra/id293763873 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [David Rowland](https://appshunter.io/developer/290900449) - Category: Reference, Utilities - Price: Free - Rating: 3.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 41 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2008-10-19 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terra/id293763873/reviews.md ## What is Terra? Terra gives you quick access to astronomical information, weather forecasts, earthquake reports, time zones and factual information about any part of the Earth. It presents a 3D globe which you can spin to see any point on Earth. You can also move forward and back in time. Astronomy You can see: •your current location •the altitude and azimuth of the Sun and Moon at any location on Earth and at any date and time •the rising and setting times for Sun and Moon, at any location and date New •the illumination of the Earth by the Sun at any time, the Terminator line and the twilights (civil, nautical and astronomical) •the length of the day for any location and date •the phase of the Moon and its appearance to the observer New •the shortest distance and compass bearing between any two locations •sidereal time, Greenwich and local Time Zones: 
Terra shows a globe with a political map of the Earth with more than 250 locations highlighted. Tapping a button will center the globe on a location and show its local time, correct for standard or daylight. Maps: Terra can link to the Apple Maps or Google Maps applications for a detailed view of any location. Weather: 
Terra will link to the Weather Underground web site and show the current conditions and forecast for any location. Earthquakes: Terra will download the latest earthquake report from the USGS and display the quakes on the globe. You can jump to the USGS web site for more detailed information about any quake. Facts: Terra will link to the CIA World Factbook web site for almost every country. It will be useful to: •travelers, •business people, •photographers, cinematographers, •students, •architects, •gardeners, landscapers, •amateur astronomers, •radio hams, •those concerned with solar energy. ## Key features - Interactive 3D Earth globe - Astronomical data (Sun, Moon, day length) - Real-time weather forecasts - Earthquake reports - Global time zones - Country facts and data ## Recent user reviews (7 of 7) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terra/id293763873/reviews.md ### 3/5 — Good, but needs improvement *2016-05-02, version 4.5* Some of the features such as the earthquake data is inaccurate as well as the underground weather radar, good app, not worth the price. ### 5/5 — Terra *2011-07-29, version 4.0.1* Fantastic, a wow for any Earth/Science geek. Will definitely be using this in my 8th grade science classroom, as well as at home & on the road! Gives the big perspective/view for our planet & moon, in real time, and very visually-- beautiful. ### 5/5 — This App has great potential *2009-09-26, version 0* I love seeing exactly where the Sun is directly overhead and the ability to see the Latitude, and Longitude of where the Sun is directly overhead on this planet. Can you add a feature to lock on the Sun, and zoom in, like with Microsoft Terraserver maps? Take a look at GeoClock for the PC Thanks ### 1/5 — Too pricey *2009-05-03, version 0* Zoom would be great and a brief discussion on what each took is used for. It's a bit pricey for what you get; $4.99 is too much. It's more like a $0.99 item. Can I get my money back please? Thank you. ### 4/5 — Blue Marble *2008-10-21, version 0* Great effort! I'd like to see this information on a flat projection as well. Another improvement would be to allow zooming in. I travel extensively and knowing when to expect the sunrise and sunsets is an aid to navigation from an airplane's window or a ship's deck. ### 4/5 — Great Idea - long overdue *2008-10-20, version 0* I've anxiously been waiting for an app like this. This is a beautiful implementation, but I have two suggestions: 1.) The terminators ought to be smooth (why are thy stepped?). It would be cool if they 'faded' as they do in reality (i.e., civil / astronomical twilight). 2.) Less important, but location sensitivity would be nice. Further down the road, it would be neat to be able to zoom in on a region. ### 5/5 — Wonderful *2008-10-20, version 0* Thank you Developer for this stuningly beautiful, highly functional app! ## Frequently asked questions about Terra ### What can I see in Terra's astronomy section? Terra allows you to view the altitude and azimuth of the Sun and Moon, their rising and setting times, Earth's illumination, the Terminator line, twilights, day length, Moon phase, and the shortest distance between two locations. ### How does Terra handle time zones? Terra displays a globe with over 250 highlighted locations, showing their local time, adjusted for standard or daylight saving time. You can center the globe on any location to see its specific time. ### Can I get detailed maps or weather information through Terra? Yes, Terra can link to Apple Maps or Google Maps for detailed location views and to the Weather Underground website for current conditions and forecasts. ### Does Terra provide information on earthquakes? Terra downloads the latest earthquake reports from the USGS and displays them on the globe. You can access more detailed information by visiting the USGS website. ### What kind of factual information does Terra offer about countries? Terra links to the CIA World Factbook website, providing factual information for almost every country. ### What devices is Terra compatible with? Terra is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. ### How often is Terra updated? The latest version of Terra, 4.8, was released on April 2, 2019. The app was originally released on October 19, 2008. ### What is the age rating for Terra? Terra has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young users and above. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.8 — 2019-04-02 Updated the Weather Underground interface. Added a user query for the use of GPS. ### 4.6 — 2016-07-24 We now use the monthly earth images from NASA, showing the seasonal changes. ### 4.5 — 2015-07-30 ios8 compatible. Recognizes the new USGS earthquake data format. ### 4.3 — 2013-10-04 iOS 7 compatibility. ### 4.2 — 2013-02-19 Updated links to USGS sites, new NASA graphics, finer grain Earth model, choice of Apple or Google maps, compatible with iOS 6 and iPhone 5 ## Apps similar to Terra | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Pocket PlanetARium: Explore AR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-planetarium-explore-ar/id1532774983) | 4.6 (54) | Free | Reference | | [US Unit Converter - Easy way !](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/us-unit-converter-easy-way/id820789175) | 3.7 (3) | Free | Reference | ## More apps by David Rowland - [Perfect Pitch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/perfect-pitch/id290900446) - [Gravity3D](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gravity3d/id1099356144) - [ShapeForge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shapeforge/id1170261536) All apps by David Rowland: https://appshunter.io/developer/290900449 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*