Earthquake Tracker Apps for Android Earthquake Alert! vs Earthquake Network vs Seismology ... and 9 more
Edited by Jay, VC
It's a pretty common belief that seismic activity around the world has increased in recent decades. Some scientists suggest that the increased frequency of 8.0+ earthquakes is merely by random mathematical chance. Regardless the reason, we've no doubt seen more devastating earthquakes in the past 15 - 20 years, making early detection systems and alerts more relevant than ever.
Most modern mobile devices have sensors built in that can be used to detect environmental changes (ground shaking) that take place during seismic activity. Although the effectiveness of this technology depends greatly on the number of users in the network, it's still an excellent method to receive early detection alerts.
The following earthquake tracker apps for Android can be used to obtain valuable, up to date quake information that could potentially save your life. If you live in an area that sees regular seismic activity, having a reliable app installed could prove extremely useful.
Method 1: Earthquake Alert!
Earthquake Alert is a popular mobile app that keeps users apprised on earthquake data from around the globe.
In the US, quakes with magnitudes over 1.0 get displayed, for the rest of the world, 4.5+ magnitude earthquakes get displayed.
- 1News & MagazinesType.
- 2Features.
- View all the latest earthquakes around the globe.
- Magnitude of Earthquakes shown on the map.
- Receive alerts and push notifications on quake information.
- Option to download the alert addon app for even quicker real-time information.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 2: Earthquake Network
Earthquake Networks is one of few mobile apps that gives users real-time alerts on earthquakes as they're happening.
By utilizing a vast network of cell phone users, the app can detect seismic activity (via phone's accelerometer) and alert all users instantaneously.
- 1News & MagazinesType.
- 2Features.
- Real time earthquake detection using an extensive network of user's mobile devices (big quakes).
- Up-to-date earthquake information from a variety of international seismic networks.
- See user's reports on felt earthquakes.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $0.99 - $16.99 per item.
- 4
Method 3: Seismology
Seismology by Birdie is an earthquake notification app that pulls information from USGS, Mexican, Chilean and Nepal seismographic services.
Seismology doesn't use any system resources when it's turned off which significantly limits battery drainage.
- 1News & MagazinesType.
- Get instant notifications on nearby earthquakes.
- Easy on device resources.
- Accurate magnitude data on all earthquakes.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases at $2.19 per item.
Method 4: Earthquakes
Earthquakes by topstcn.com is another powerful earthquake information app that aggregates information from 22 seismic and geological data centers around the world.
In addition to current earthquake data, users can view information on previous quakes that have occurred within a 300 km range.
- 1News & MagazinesType.
- 2Features.
- Effective algorithm to ensure the app doesn't display duplicate data.
- Push notifications on powerful earthquakes all over the world.
- Get epicenter distance with GPS support.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 5: LastQuake
As the official mobile app of the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center (CSEM), LastQuake was designed by seismologists as an earthquake alert system for populations.
By collecting user feedback and testimonials in real time, LastQuake can inform its user base instantly upon any seismic activity.
- 1WeatherType.
- 2Features.
- Customizable alerts and push notifications.
- View real-time data, comments, images, and videos by other LastQuake users.
- Send SMS to family and friends in the event you're in an earthquake zone.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 6: Earthquakes Tracker
[
Earthquakes Tracker provides users with near real-time information on all primary seismic activity worldwide.
Earthquakes Tracker makes use of various graphs and charts to illustrate different pieces of data more clearly.
- 1WeatherType.
- 2Features.
- Near real-time earthquake information from a broad range of data centers.
- Voiceover narrates earthquake updates so users can focus on safety or preparations.
- Set custom magnitude and proximity alerts, to keep yourself informed of any potential earthquakes.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 7: MyShake
Developed at the UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, MyShake's ultimate goal is to build an extensive seismic network that utilizes the sensors in smartphones, as well as witness reports and updates.
The app works quietly in the background and uses little to no additional battery or system resources.
- 1EducationType.
- 2Features.
- View current or previous worldwide earthquake data.
- Uses the phone's accelerometer sensor to detect ground shaking that's then crossed referenced with MyShake's central system to confirm magnitude and location.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 8: eQuake - Earthquake Alerts
eQuake™ by Zizmos™ is an earthquake early detection mobile app that utilizes a network of seismic sensors.
As seismic activity occurs, eQuake's servers send out alerts warning users of potentially impacted areas. The more users that allow their device's sensors to the functionality of the app, the more accurate detection becomes.
- 1WeatherType.
- 2Features.
- Early warnings and alerts on potential shaking.
- Maps of recent earthquakes worldwide.
- Dark and light themes available.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 9: 3D Earthquake
3D Earthquake takes information from the USGS and presents it in 3D models for a better visual interpretation of various earthquake parameters.
Users can see earthquakes on a three-dimensional hollow globe for an exciting perspective that most Earthquake apps don't offer.
- 1News & MagazinesType.
- 2Features.
- 3D visualizations of; magnitude, depth, age, and tectonic plates.
- All earthquake data is pulled from the United States Geological Survey.
- Option to remove ads via in-app purchase.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchase at $1.05 per item.
- 4
Method 10: My Earthquake Alerts
Optimized for all the latest versions of Android, My Earthquake Alerts gives users all pertinent quake information directly on their mobile devices.
With an easy to navigate user interface, My Earthquake Alerts keeps users completely updated on seismic activity across the globe, without bogging down the app's functionality.
- 1WeatherType.
- 2Features.
- Fully personalized push notifications on seismic data unique to your locations.
- Get an accurate location, depth, and distance of from you.
- Advanced search for older earthquakes (back to 1970).
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 11: Volcanoes & Earthquakes
Get both live earthquake and active volcano information with this two-for-one mobile app that provides up to date data right on your phone or tablet.
On top of near real-time information, users can also see i-felt-it reports, displayed across the map.
- 1EducationType.
- 2Features.
- Filter earthquakes by age, magnitude, and distance.
- Pulls information from 20+ seismic data centers around the globe.
- Get graphical views of the earth's tectonic plates.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 12: EarthQuake App
EarthQuake App is another handy information tool that gathers data from the USSG and displays it as per the user's preferences.
In addition to a variety of maps, users can now search for specific earthquakes based on certain keywords and other criteria.
- 1News & MagazinesType.
- 2Features.
- Easily share earthquake information with friends and family via social media.
- Detailed filter options to only display earthquake data relevant to you.
- Color coded pins on maps and lists for easy identification.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases at $0.99 per item.
- 4
Whether you or your family live in a region that sees frequent seismic activity, having the right earthquake tracker app installed can bring you the all the vital information you need in the event of an emergency. Test out a few apps beforehand, so you're comfortable using them when you need to.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
