iPad - Memory Map vs Mud Map/VMS

[twr7cx]

Anyone used Memory Map and/or Mud Map/VMS on an Apple iPad want to share their thoughts and opinions?

I'm currently trying to decide between the two. From what I read the Apps themselves are fairly similar, so probably the maps offered by the two would have a large effect:
Mud Maps/VMS - iTOPO Australian Outback Maps, Gregory's Outback 4WD Maps, AusWay Touring Maps and Melway Australia Map.
Memory Maps - Hema Maps, Topo and AusTopo.
.
Price wise, Mud Maps with every area of my state is 1/3rd of the price (approx $110.00 vs $350.00ish) of Memory Maps with all their offerings of maps for my state and seems to offer an equivalent map product. VMS is about 2/3rds of Memory Maps (but since VMS and Mud Map are the same app and at the moment I don't need the whole country, I'd just stick with my State for now and purchase additional when required in the future).

With Memory Maps the licensing is more restrictive - if purchasing the mobile device licence (which only allows it to be used on one device, compared with Mud Maps which allows two) and the price is significantly more if I want to be able to use it on my PC. But I don't know if that means the maps are inferior?

Memory Map seems to allow more use for planning on the PC etc., but at this point I don't see myself doing this, I'd rather stick to bashing my own track and have the ability to get home than preplan.

I also looked at Bit Map, but that seems like more complication and that than what I'm after. I just want to pay my dollars and have something that works without me farting around on the computer.

So basically at the moment I'm leaning towards Mud Map, as worst case it's only $110.00 wasted, where Memory Map is significantly more outlay. Thoughts?

[trevorj]

I have VMS Mud Maps on my iPhone4, and slowly beginning to appreciate what they do/dont offer. I presume it would all operate same on the iPad?? Anyway, two things struck me: first, the system basically seems to work by simply placing your current GPS position over the (equivalent to scanned paper) map that is stored in the memory - of course its more smick than that - rectified etc - but basically thats how it seems to work. Second; there is no high level option to help you navigate in a normal drill down way to the map sheet you want from all of the sheets you have stored in your system. I have about 25 sheets, and have to remember which file name to use for each specific area, then call that one up from the menu list. All a bit limiting. maps themselves are great once you are locked in.
All said; Mud Maps have a new much better sounding interface out right now for beta testing, and I am hoping it will more or less solve all this above.
I suggest check where they are up to with the beta version.

[mikehzz]

I've got Memory Map on ipad and it works ok but the map licencing and cost are a pain. Also, the map format is proprietry so it only reads their maps. I have a heap of Oziexplorer maps and Bitmap reads them no problem so I tend to use it instead....5 bucks :-)
Also, I thought VMS was a rejigged Memory Map? Never used Mud Map

[RVR110]

I've got Memory Map on ipad and it works ok but the map licencing and cost are a pain. Also, the map format is proprietry so it only reads their maps. I have a heap of Oziexplorer maps and Bitmap reads them no problem so I tend to use it instead....5 bucks :-)
Also, I thought VMS was a rejigged Memory Map? Never used Mud Map

I think VMS switched from a customized version of Memory-Map to Mud Map a year or two ago. I agree with you about the proprietary format - it is a hassle, but I do like having the maps stitched together. The costs are cheaper if you buy from the digital map shop. Irrespective of the software you're using, the problem with all of the NSW topographic maps is that the NSW government hasn't released an update to the digital maps since 2006.

[twr7cx]

Also, I thought VMS was a rejigged Memory Map? Never used Mud Map

VMS is Mud Maps, but includes some Maps, which Mud Maps app does not. I can purchase these same maps, or at least just the areas of interest to me, and that is cheaper than VMS and just as effective (whilst in my purchased areas - were VMS covers whole of Australia).



I have a heap of Oziexplorer maps and Bitmap reads them no problem so I tend to use it instead....5 bucks :-)

I hear what your saying there. but I haven't purchased any OziExplorer or anything like that. I'm also not really wanting to fart ass around on the computer, scanning or syncing maps etc. I just want to get a package that works nice and simply (it's the reason I use most of Apples products - they're restrictive, but the basic stuff they're made to do, they just do with little fuss).

[mikehzz]

If you look on the gpsoz site you can download heaps of Ozi formatted maps for free...such as the NSW 25k series etc. Probably dodgy legally

[Ranga]

Hema has an iPad app only yet available in the US app store USA Road Atlas by Hema Maps | iPad App Details | PadGadget (http://www.padgadget.com/ipad-app-details/420014622/10/2/1)

not sure how good it is.

[twr7cx]

Hema has an iPad app only yet available in the US app store USA Road Atlas by Hema Maps | iPad App Details | PadGadget (http://www.padgadget.com/ipad-app-details/420014622/10/2/1)

not sure how good it is.

Memory Maps has the HEMA Maps available on it, plus it offers other maps, so not sure if I'd want to go with the HEMA program if it meant could only use the HEMA maps.

[twr7cx]

Today I purchased all the maps from Mud Maps that cover Tasmania. Total price was around $104.00, but a few of the maps also cover all of Eastern Australia too.
On first thoughts I was disappointed with the detail on them. But then I'm used to 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps and navigating on foot, so these are 1:250,000 maps for vehicle navigation, so should be fine for that I reckon.
Hopefully will be able to get out this weekend and test them.

I went with the Mud Maps package as I wasn't convinced that Memory Maps offerings were much superior, especially when I considered that the Memory Maps package was going to be $250.00 more. Maybe at some point in the future I might consider it as well though.

[mikehzz]

You can buy the 25k and 100k maps for Memory Map but I was sick of handing over money to them, especially when I already have them in Ozi format.

[twr7cx]

You can buy the 25k and 100k maps for Memory Map but I was sick of handing over money to them, especially when I already have them in Ozi format.

You are right, the OzTopo maps go down to 1:25,000 and 1:100,000 ( TasMap |Topo Tasmania | Bush maps | 4WD maps | GPS Software | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/products/australia-maps/maps-of-tasmania.html) ). The HEMA 4WD maps still are only 1:250,000 ( Hema Maps | on iPhone/iPad | 4WD maps | GPS Software | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/products/australia-maps/hema-maps.html) ).

[twr7cx]

You are right, the OzTopo maps go down to 1:25,000 and 1:100,000 ( TasMap |Topo Tasmania | Bush maps | 4WD maps | GPS Software | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/products/australia-maps/maps-of-tasmania.html) ). The HEMA 4WD maps still are only 1:250,000 ( Hema Maps | on iPhone/iPad | 4WD maps | GPS Software | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/products/australia-maps/hema-maps.html) ).

I am currently trialing Memory Map. I have been disappointed in the VMS package with only the 1:125,000 maps. I find these do not have the level of detail that I want.
So far I have been happy with that offered in the OzTopo maps, particuarly the 1:25,000. I realise these are designed for bushwalkers, but I like them and as such am thinking about forking out for the full Memory Map package:
OzTopo Tasmania (1:25,000 and 1:100,000) - USD$65.00.
Memory Map app (full version able to be connected to the PC) - AUD$29.99.

For the full package:
AusTour (AusTour | Outback Maps | Street Maps | GPS Software | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/products/australia-maps/maps-of-australia.html)) is $199.95.
and Hema maps (Hema Maps | on iPhone/iPad | 4WD maps | GPS Software | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/products/australia-maps/hema-maps.html#DMS) op) - USD$49.95 for just Tasmania.
And free additional data components - http://memory-map.com.au/memory-map-support/memory-map-downloads.html
Total for the full package fully covering Tasmania with additional maps of various other areas of Australia - around $400.00, where VMS was only $199.00 covering all of Australia. If I could go back I'd probably go the Memory Maps option. The only thing delaying me at the moment is waiting to see what the VMS App is like in V3 when they update like the Mud Maps and include the SmartTOPO package.

[Ranga]

I'm currently having a play with Bit Map and my own maps. Not bad for the price (~$4 or something), but a pain having to convert my ecw maps to ozf2.

On another note, I'm almost ready to return the iPad and go with an Android tablet. I'm not that impressed with the iPad at this stage.

[twr7cx]

I'm currently having a play with Bit Map and my own maps. Not bad for the price (~$4 or something), but a pain having to convert my ecw maps to ozf2.

On another note, I'm almost ready to return the iPad and go with an Android tablet. I'm not that impressed with the iPad at this stage.

I ruled out Bit Map as 1. I don't have any of my own maps to begin with and 2. PITA factor - I couldn't be bothered stuffing around. I just wanted to pay my dollars and have a working product.

Have you used Androids offerings? I haven't, so curious as to why your keen on them rather.
I chose the iPad as I use Macs and an iPhone, so they all tie in together and integrate and data share etc. Just is easier, but it does mean I don't necessarily have the best product.

[RVR110]

I'm almost ready to return the iPad and go with an Android tablet. I'm not that impressed with the iPad at this stage.

Hi Ranga, What's the story with the iPad?

[dirtdawg]

wouldnt the ipad be limited to having reception from telstra/optus like when using a phone or is there something else you use to get signal?

[twr7cx]

wouldnt the ipad be limited to having reception from telstra/optus like when using a phone or is there something else you use to get signal?

GPS mate. Not 3G network. No different to any other GPS device, doesn't require a signal to the mobile network.
However, only the 3G enabled iPads have GPS inbuilt.

[Ranga]

Hi Ranga, What's the story with the iPad?

Screen resolution is not great for small text. Apparently the iPad 3 will have much better resolution.

Connectivity of other data sources, like SD cards, can only be done with an Apple adapter - why didn't they just put a slot in?

I have an Android phone, and like it better than the wife's iPhone, so would probably make sense for me to stick with Android.

Not deal-breakers - still might keep it yet. A big plus is being able to have a USB TV tuner in the wife's Macbook, and watch TV on the iPad through it.

[twr7cx]

Mine is an original iPad 3G 64GB.

Do the Andoid devices have better screen resolution? I'll be keen to see the iPad 3's screen then (I couldn't see any reason to upgrade to iPad 2 as the additional features didn't offer me any benefit, but a better screen might...)!

I haven't found the need to connect a SD Card to mine personally. I do have the Camera Connectivity kit though and it is a 64GB model so plenty of storage space to begin with.


Last night I purchase Bit Map (no real reason as I don't plan to use it at the moment, but thought it might come in handy and wanted to support the Tassy developer), also purchase Memory Map with the UBD directory and Tassie maps. Combined with VMS I'm not satisfied that I have a good variety of maps to suit all my needs.

[wardy1]

I have the original Mud Maps app on my Iphone 2 and Itopo maps for all of Australia plus the Spatial maps for Victoria. although I don't have the capacity to load all the maps onto my phone (they are 13Gb all up I think).
It works pretty well but the Itopo maps are a bit disapponting for lack of detail. we find ourselves unable to find tracks a lot of the time (and thus it's not always easy to know exactly where we are). The Spatial maps are excellent though, If I had more capacity, I'd load them all in, as it is, I load up the maps of where I'm going.
The one thing I DON'T like is that I can't plan a trip on the PC then upload it to my Iphone. The Iphone screen is way too small for this sort of work.
Thinking seriously of buying the new MudMaps app for an Ipad, I reckon it'll work very well.

My other option is to buy an Android tablet and go with Ozie Explorer, I do like this software a lot but reports of poor battery life on the Androids worries me too.

[twr7cx]

Thinking seriously of buying the new MudMaps app for an Ipad, I reckon it'll work very well.

MudMaps is moving away from vehicle navigation. VMS is covering that with essentially the same app, but under a different name with more maps included. I have Memory Maps aswell and far prefer Memory Maps to Mud Maps - a bit more expensive probably (depending on what maps you purchase), but far more details.

[twr7cx]

My finished setup. I use a Ram Mount RAM-A-CAN and Tab-Tite setup for my iPad ( Apple iPad Holders & Mounts (http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts/AppleiPadMounts/tabid/2614/Default.aspx#appleipadtabtitecradle) ):

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/1335/img0866h.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/img0866h.jpg/)
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4967/p1000033a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/p1000033a.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3177/p1000034k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/690/p1000034k.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

My only complaint lies with the quality of the Land Rover cupholders being a bit loose and wobbly, so therefore the iPad wobbles too!
But I do like the low position of the iPad, in that it doesn't block any of my view out of the front window and the holder is easily removable when not required or being used.

[OffTrack]

I have Memory Maps aswell and far prefer Memory Maps to Mud Maps - a bit more expensive probably (depending on what maps you purchase), but far more details.

I ended up going with Memory Map, mainly for the availability of the Hema touring maps. The downside of Memory Map is that there isn't an intermediate map scale between, for example, Hema Victoria 1:850000 and the VICMAP 1:25000 series. The iTopo 1:250000 on VMS/Mud-map seems to be a good intermediate resolution.

[twr7cx]

I ended up going with Memory Map, mainly for the availability of the Hema touring maps. The downside of Memory Map is that there isn't an intermediate map scale between, for example, Hema Victoria 1:850000 and the VICMAP 1:25000 series. The iTopo 1:250000 on VMS/Mud-map seems to be a good intermediate resolution.

For Tasmania, I have 25,000, then a 100,000, then the Hema Topo 250,000 and then the Hema Tas State map which I assume it 850,000? Maybe you should have another look, I would be surprised if Hema don't do a 250,000 for Victoria too...

[OffTrack]

The VicMap package has only 1:25,000, whereas the TasTopo has 1:25,000 and 1:100,000. Hema only does the large scale maps, with the odd detailed insert, as on the flinders ranges maps. There is no 1:100,000 of victoria from either VicMap or Hema.

TBH I can't even see a way to load the free 1:250,000 sheets from the DMS.

UPDATE: I suspect I didn't select correct country when I initially registered on in the app. I've since changed location detail, but it seems to have retained the UK as the location where I can download free topo maps. On the MM website I can see my available resources are all EU/UK topos. I've emailed support to see if they can rectify this.

[twr7cx]

TBH I can't even see a way to load the free 1:250,000 sheets from the DMS.

I still need to figure out how to load this stuff in: Memory-Map Downloads (http://memory-map.com.au/memory-map-support/memory-map-downloads.html)

[camo1221]

MudMaps is moving away from vehicle navigation. VMS is covering that with essentially the same app, but under a different name with more maps included. I have Memory Maps aswell and far prefer Memory Maps to Mud Maps - a bit more expensive probably (depending on what maps you purchase), but far more details.

FYI

I had I quick chat to the guy at the VMS stall at the 4x4 show on the weekend.
He said that VMS version 3.0 would be getting 3D navigation (I assume for city's and black top only) and also map scales down to 1:25,000.

To me its starting to look like a pretty complete package.

He also said the App store price was likely to go up to $249 from $200, but if you purchased it now the update would be free when released.

Camo1221

[OffTrack]

UPDATE: I suspect I didn't select correct country when I initially registered on in the app. I've since changed location detail, but it seems to have retained the UK as the location where I can download free topo maps. On the MM website I can see my available resources are all EU/UK topos. I've emailed support to see if they can rectify this.

According to Memory-Map support this isn't a problem. I should be able to access the Topo250 maps regardless, but they don't show up in the DMS. Even tried deleting the app and stored data, and tried the DMS without logging into my account. Still no Topo250 maps available.

[OffTrack]

The only way I've been able to access the Hema 1:250,000 maps is buy upgrading to the paid app. As soon as I did this the 1:250K maps showed up in the DMS. MM Support has been friendly but basically kept telling me "it should work". Not much help when have an issue!

[twr7cx]

I had I quick chat to the guy at the VMS stall at the 4x4 show on the weekend.
He said that VMS version 3.0 would be getting 3D navigation (I assume for city's and black top only) and also map scales down to 1:25,000.

I think that's part of the SmartTOPO stuff that got added into MudMaps in there 3.0 update.

Did he give any indication of when it would be upgraded? When MudMaps was updated they indicated about a month for VMS update to follow, but it's been two months now...

[Naviguesser]

Has anyone got an update on this since VMS V.3 has been out?
Are the maps supplied usable?
Or is Memory Map better even though maps have to be bought?
I am confused over VMS and multiple devices, can I use on my iPhone and iPad? I know Memory Map only allows one device.

Or forget them and just get a Chinese unit running Ozi ?

I don't need a turn by turn street navigator

[OffTrack]

Has anyone got an update on this since VMS V.3 has been out?
Are the maps supplied usable?
Or is Memory Map better even though maps have to be bought?
I am confused over VMS and multiple devices, can I use on my iPhone and iPad? I know Memory Map only allows one device.

Or forget them and just get a Chinese unit running Ozi ?

I don't need a turn by turn street navigator

As a Memory-Map user who has just switched from an iPhone to a Chinese GPS, I'd highly recommend sticking to the iOS device. It's been a bit of a shock to the system.

Memory-Map is far more usable on iOS than on WinCE, so if you have the iPad I'd using that as my first choice. I reckon you'd be better off spending the money you'd otherwise invest in a Sino-GPS on a bluetooth GPS receiver to improve the iPad GPS performance.

Memory-Map is actually fairly flexible in terms of licensing if you purchase via their PC application or website rather than the iOS application. There are options to buy map licensing for 2 x mobile, 2 x PC, or 2 x mobile and 2 x PC.

Don't believe the hype about Ozi. The OziCE application is horrible - the comments about "steep learning curve" should give you some idea of that. The only thing Ozi has going for it is the range of maps available in their proprietary format.

cheers
Paul

[Naviguesser]

Update.

Leaning toward VMS at the moment, unless someone tells me the Itopo 25k maps are rubbish.

Just seems good value for money to me.

[jon3950]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they are ony 250k not 25k.

They are not rubbish, but me the range of maps was better with memory map. I got the Hema maps, 25k NSW topos and Vicmap 25k topos. I prefer the greater detail of the 25k topos, plus you get the 250k maps included.

To me there's no real difference in the apps, its a question of which maps suit you best. Try and have a good look at both before you buy. At least with memory map you can download the maps for a trial.

Cheers,
Jon

[MLD]

Hi Naviguesser,

I bought the VMS app for my iPhone just before xmas with a view to compliment the paper maps while in the Vic High Country. My thoughts and specific replies to your queries.

VMS (mud maps) sell the Vic Maps 25k series for $50 odd for the package or individually. The Vic maps are now rather dated. They are the original maps from the 1990's and scanned as a map file. Following several bush fires and the passing of time the Vic maps might not be reliable. The additional maps you can purchase at higher detail for regions outside Victoria seem to be limited. I'm struggling to find 25k or 50k for the tracks around Sydney. Might be me, not VMS. Might be that map providers haven't done Sydney in the same detail.

The standard off-road topo maps are 250k. They are not bad. The iTopo maps are scanned from paper maps so zooming just increases size and blur factor. The smartTopo maps zoom with clarity and are 3D when you get to a certain zoom factor. The 3D effect works on all maps but is more evident in the city where it shows buildings. There was considerable disparity between Hema paper map, the Rooftop paper maps and the mud-maps. The major tracks were marked on all 3. Each map provider seemed to have minor tracks not marked on the others. It would be nice if there was more collaboration between map providers (I suspect that would be like asking Apple to collaborate with Microsoft).

Through the VMS maps site you can purchase other maps not in the suit but be careful because some of the maps are in the suit and the system allows you to buy them again off the net.
VMS 4x4 - maps (http://vms4x4.mud-maps.com/maps)

I don't know if you can upload third party maps. There is no software that runs on your PC/Mac (it's web based) so there may be limitations to import third party maps.

I think mud maps extended their licensing from single device to 2 devices (or 5; can't recall). I recall receiving a promo email. Worth reading the fine print.

I suspect that the GPS receiver in the iPhone is inadequate. The phone/app struggled to find my actual location and often the location stalled at the last place I was stationary for a while. Not much help when you are at a junction and are unsure the track names and where you actually are. Sometimes it worked, mostly not. If the iPad has an external GPS receiver accessory i'd invest in that. Will look into it for the iPhone but no doubt it will take up the connector so I can't run the phone off the 12v to maintain charge. I'm giving discredit to the iPhone's GPS receiver. It could just as well be the app software. It worked with greater reliability on the hwy but not perfect.

Version 3.04 (current version) crashes on me regularly. The icons freeze and the only way to clear it is to reboot the phone. It was annoying to reboot at least daily, it was not a major concern because the map was never accurate and i relied 99.9% on paper maps. It would be a pain if you were logging the track for later reference and the location froze or crashed. You would end up with a track log that flew across valleys when the GPS locked in from ridge top to ridge top.

You can sync your track logs and waypoints from the iPhone to your PC/Mac. I'm having trouble getting mud-maps to show my data on the web interface. Again not sure if it's me, the software or mud-maps.

Through a combination of bugs in v3.03 and a complaint to Apple (I spend lots of money with them) I was refunded the original purchase price. It's "a nice to have" but it's not worth $200. I get better value from my $10 paper maps. That comment is a consequence of my experience of its unreliability to do what i need it to do. Others may have a different and more rewarding experience. Closing comment - don't expect it to be "the be all and end all" of GPS solutions. It's no substitute for a paper map spread out over the bonnet.

cheers MLD

[mikehzz]

I have both Memory Map and VMS on my iphone and ipad. I didn't have to pay extra to get them on both devices. I prefer Memory Map because I can download gpx routes from the web and import them into the Memory Map application on my pc then send it to the ipad/iphone. It gives me a nice little red line to follow on the map. I haven't found a way of doing that in vms. I reckon the vms smart topo 25k maps are rubbish for off road, they are really only street maps with contour lines. Get onto most fire trails and you are off the grid.
The iphone gps is poor in overcast weather or hilly terrain. The ipad gps is quite good all the time. Beware that you have to buy a car charger specifically for ipads if you are running it on gps all day. It will go flat on an iphone car charger.

[Ranga]

Don't believe the hype about Ozi. The OziCE application is horrible - the comments about "steep learning curve" should give you some idea of that.

I disagree. IMHO, the steep learning curve is mostly for the extra features most people may not want/need.

Each version of the Android version gets better and better. The only feature I'm still waiting for, is pinch zooming, but that's a want not a need. As soon as I can find a 7" Android tablet with decent GPS, that's where I'll be heading. I still find 10" tablets too big for me in the Defender.

Mind you, Androzic is OK on Android also. Not as many features, but what do expect for free?!

[mikehzz]

My wife has a 7" Galaxy Tab and it has a good gps. She got it because the ipad was too big for her hand bag. Runs Android.

[Ranga]

My wife has a 7" Galaxy Tab and it has a good gps. She got it because the ipad was too big for her hand bag. Runs Android.

Just sold mine recently, as the GPS was too unstable. Also didn;t like how it couldn;t charge from 12V, had to use the inverter which has an internal fan that was a bit noisy.

Lovely tablet though, especially with the custom firmware I had running on it ;)

Apparently the old Optus Mytabs aren't too bad for in-car nav.

[OffTrack]

I disagree. IMHO, the steep learning curve is mostly for the extra features most people may not want/need.

You'll have to excuse my lack of enthusiasm for OziCE. Coming from a OSX/iOS background it looks like bad UI design rather than a plethora of advanced features that causes the "steep learning curve".

[Naviguesser]

Thanks MLD & Mikehzz, excellent feedback.

[mikehzz]

I disagree. IMHO, the steep learning curve is mostly for the extra features most people may not want/need.

Each version of the Android version gets better and better. The only feature I'm still waiting for, is pinch zooming, but that's a want not a need. As soon as I can find a 7" Android tablet with decent GPS, that's where I'll be heading. I still find 10" tablets too big for me in the Defender.

Mind you, Androzic is OK on Android also. Not as many features, but what do expect for free?!

Panasonic: Toughpad beats iPad - Mobility - Technology - News - CRN Australia (http://www.crn.com.au/News/286901,panasonic-toughpad-beats-ipad.aspx?eid=4&edate=20120113&utm_source=20120113&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter)....There will be a 7" version called the B1 :)

[Franrick]

I have been using Memory Map for a cpl of years now and I guess the best way to describe it is that ýou get what you pay for'. I do a lot of travelling by road as well as sailing and Memory Map has it all covered. Despite what previous posters have said, you can use maps other than propriety Memory Map files as well as print maps and do a whole lot more. Go to their web site, its worth a look. Cheers, Rick.

[OffTrack]

Panasonic: Toughpad beats iPad - Mobility - Technology - News - CRN Australia (http://www.crn.com.au/News/286901,panasonic-toughpad-beats-ipad.aspx?eid=4&edate=20120113&utm_source=20120113&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter)....There will be a 7" version called the B1 :)

hmmmm "could appeal" is slightly different to "beats".

The CFA is trailing iPads this fire season:

Mapscape (http://www.spatialvision.com.au/index.php/mapscape--authoritative-high-performance-mapping.html)

That is pretty rugged usage.

[Naviguesser]

Despite what previous posters have said, you can use maps other than propriety Memory Map files as well as print maps and do a whole lot more.

Hi Rick, would be keen to find out more on this part

[Mulgo]

I have been using Memory Map for a cpl of years now and I guess the best way to describe it is that ýou get what you pay for'. I do a lot of travelling by road as well as sailing and Memory Map has it all covered. Despite what previous posters have said, you can use maps other than propriety Memory Map files as well as print maps and do a whole lot more. Go to their web site, its worth a look. Cheers, Rick.

Hi Rick, cannot seem to find information on how to use non-MM maps on their website, can you please send us the link?

Thanks

[OffTrack]

Hi Rick, cannot seem to find information on how to use non-MM maps on their website, can you please send us the link?

Thanks

It's called "Import 3rd Party Maps"

Memory-Map software features | Pro | AIS | Remote Tracking (http://memory-map.com.au/mapping-software/pc-mapping-software-topo-maps-marine-charts-4x4-maps/features-and-add-ons-for-memory-map-mapping-software.html)

The documentation is pretty skimpy, and I haven't had much luck with converting maps thus far.

I'm able to import GA ECW files which I've converted to GeoTiff's. I'm able to convert ozfx3 maps to GeoTiffs and MM will read the files in, but I not able to get MM to read the embedded calibration. This could be just down to not uttering the right incantations.

[Naviguesser]

Been having a look around the memory map app on my iPad, I downloaded it prior to it being removed from the App Store.

The Aus Topo250 gives intermittent white patches that can vary from place to place. Other areas seem to be blurry. Anyone else come across this?

If that can be sorted, I quite like that map as a base with purchased Vicmap 25K and others (including Hema) as required.

Looked at the maps on VMS and detail seems lacking, sure you can purchase the vicmap series (and others) but that comes on top of a big price up front as well.

[OffTrack]

Sounds like mapping that is partially downloaded. The Hema maps were upgraded to the 2012 versions late last year, so if you had downloaded maps prior to the switch over Memory-Map will attempt to download as you move to a new area.

If you grab the Hema base map pack from here:

Hema Maps | GPS Software: PC, iPad, Android | 4WD maps | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/digital-maps/topographic-maps-australia/hema-maps-australia-4x4-maps.html)

and load it onto the iPad using iTunes as detailed here:

Frequently Asked Questions :: Downloading and installing Packaged Maps from zip files (http://memory-map.com.au/faqs/questions/36/Downloading+and+installing+Packaged+Maps+from+zip+ files#iOS)

you'll have a complete, up-to-date version of the Hema AusTopo 250 maps which should eliminate the maps as the problem.

Interesting that the app has been pulled. From the MM FAQ post it sounds like Apple have objected to the way in-app map purchases are handled. Perhaps this will force MM to offer the VicMap Topo in the same type of download package as the Hema maps.

FWIW and probably slightly OT, the Spatial Vision VicMap Book DVD which covers Victoria at 1:100,000 with 1:50,000 of some parts of the State, and 1:20,000 town maps is an excellent product. I was finding the VicMap 1:25,000 too large scale for the vast majority of driving, but the VicMap Book coverage is pretty much spot on. Unfortunately it only available in OZI format, so I've switched to running a chineseGPS with Memory Map and OziCE until such time as the promised iPhone version of Ozi eventuates.