Ipad3, what maps ??

[Drover]

I have just bought the new iPad or iPad 3 whatever....

Looking at the HEMA map app, what are the thoughts or experience on this system ?

What are the opinions on the best app for off road mapping ?

Thanks

[RVR110]

Whatever the app, make sure that you get 1:25,000 topo maps. 1:250,000 don't cut the mustard.

I'm not sure about the Hema brand maps that ship with the Hema App, but the ones I got with my Hema Navigator (HN5) were more of a touring map style - great for planning and great for "the big picture" but not so useful when driving a track.

[AndyD90LE]

Hi Drover,
I have Memory Map installed on my iPad and find it absolutely brilliant. I currently have all of Tas at 1:25,000 and 1:100,000, plus all of Aus with the HEMA Topo 1:250,000 base map. My plan is to eventually have all four HEMA regions downloaded onto my device so I will have instant access to almost all of Aus.

Using Memory Map means all the maps are stored on the device so no downloading as you go which I think is what the HEMA app does (however I stand to be corrected if this is not the case).

Setting up your maps using Memory Map does take a while if you down load each individual map from the Memory Map site but you can also order the maps on CD which would make things easier but you pay an extra premium for the privilege. Downloading all of Tas at 1:25,000 took about 4 days all up, but I had the time and am very happy with the result. Spending some time to read through all of the Memory Map site is beneficial to work out how it is all done

Also the maps from Memory Map will only download using a PC operating system, so if your an apple fan boy like myself you will need to be running Parallels or similar on your Mac with Windows to be able to down load the maps then transfer them to your iPad via iTunes.

Yes there is some mucking around, but the end result is fantastic maps on that gorgeous retina display, it blows all other dedicated GPS units into the weeds. :D

[OffTrack]

Using Memory Map means all the maps are stored on the device so no downloading as you go which I think is what the HEMA app does (however I stand to be corrected if this is not the case).


The HEMA app is just Memory Map with Hema branding - they are otherwise identical. The difference between the two options lies in bundled mapping. You could buy Memory Map and the 4 HEMA region map packs and end up with essentially the same product. It is cheaper to buy the HEMA app if you need full coverage of Australia with the HEMA touring maps.



Also the maps from Memory Map will only download using a PC operating system, so if your an apple fan boy like myself you will need to be running Parallels or similar on your Mac with Windows to be able to down load the maps then transfer them to your iPad via iTunes.


The HEMA maps can be downloaded from the Memory Map website as zip files which makes it pretty easy to ensure you have full coverage. Topo maps are a right PITA, and like Andy I've ended up buying the Memory Map PC app and running VirtualBox/Windows on my Mac.

Avenza's PDF Maps (http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=advenza%20pdf%20maps&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fau%2Fapp%2Fave nza-pdf-maps%2Fid388424049%3Fmt%3D8&ei=llDeT8tS7ZqIB_yc5bAK&usg=AFQjCNFikc_55yrF9LErUbkqTHwgxcBxzg) is proving to be a useful mapping tool, although it isn't really a replacement for Memory Map. HEMA has begun releasing their maps as individual downloads via the PDF Maps store which is a useful option if you only need specific coverage. The NATMAP 1:250K sheets are also available.

In Victoria the most up-to-date topo mapping (2012 releases) is only available as 1:30K Geospatial PDF's (http://services.land.vic.gov.au/maps/imf/search/Topo30Front.jsp). The VicMap topo available for memory map is a 2009 release and is really starting to show it's age.

Some smaller map makers like Meridian Maps (http://www.meridianmaps.com.au/products_images/product_links/4wd_maps/vic_desert_guide.asp) are now selling via the PDF Maps store and it seems that both Victorian and NSW Parks are making Park maps available via the PDF Maps store.

cheers
Paul