Maps - what's the REAL deal?

[EchiDna]

Hi guys...lotsa questions - I hope someone can assist!

Firstly, I use a bluetooth gps connected to my PDA - running Garmin Que as the mapping software. now onto the questions!

Can anyone enlighten me to the real, usable differences between Natmap raster and Natmap raster premium?

Is there anything better than 1:250,000 available on a statewide basis? eg Victoria at 1:25,000 or better?

also, try as I might, I can't determine from the webpage if Oziexplorer can create routes on it's own - eg travel from point X to point Y, passing point A, B and C on the way and chosing the mode of the route plan (e.g. the shortest route of travel, the fastest route of travel, avoiding tolls, traffic lights, take only minor roads, preference for highways etc...) These are all features of my existing software, it's just that the available maps leave a bit to be desired...

TIA,

[JDNSW]

Can't help with the GPS, but I can comment on available maps - I don't think there is anything better than 1:250,000 on a statewide basis in Victoria, let alone any other state, nor is there likely to be in the foreseeable future - the market is simply too small to justify the cost involved. (not to be confused with 1:250,000 blown up to other scales). However, much of the relatively densely populated areas are covered by 1:50,000.
A problem exists, though, in that in many areas the mapping is quite old, even if it has been corrected in places, so you are always wise to be cautious, particularly when you are in out of the way places where not many people may have noticed the errors or changes.
John

[George130]

Don't think Ausie will do the things you want. It's great for navigation out of the metropolitan areas but not as an auto navigator.

[rmp]

Hi guys...lotsa questions - I hope someone can assist!

Firstly, I use a bluetooth gps connected to my PDA - running Garmin Que as the mapping software. now onto the questions!

Can anyone enlighten me to the real, usable differences between Natmap raster and Natmap raster premium?

Is there anything better than 1:250,000 available on a statewide basis? eg Victoria at 1:25,000 or better?

also, try as I might, I can't determine from the webpage if Oziexplorer can create routes on it's own - eg travel from point X to point Y, passing point A, B and C on the way and chosing the mode of the route plan (e.g. the shortest route of travel, the fastest route of travel, avoiding tolls, traffic lights, take only minor roads, preference for highways etc...) These are all features of my existing software, it's just that the available maps leave a bit to be desired...

TIA,

1. Raster map diffs:
http://www.ga.gov.au/nmd/products/maps/raster250k/#versions

2. "Better" -- I think you mean smaller scale. Yes, plenty of maps available for Victoria. Check maptrax.com.au for starters.

3. Oziexplorer does NOT do autorouting. You create your own routes manually.

hth

[EchiDna]

thanks RMP,

yes I meant smaller scale!

cheers,