Thread: Good Source of Maps/Route Planning

Originally Posted by 4xsama

.... downloadable apps to use on a tablet etc.

....

Check out OSMAnd.
Not sure if it's iOS compatible, most likely is tho.
Download it, then once loaded on the tablet, go into the map download section and look for any maps you're interested in.
I think you get up to 5 maps free, so eg. you may want your home state, and Vic.
OSM is Open Street Maps, the reason for using OSMAnd, is that you download the map data to the device, not rely on connectivity.

There are some map data you may want to purchase in there somewhere, maybe topo data, camp ground details, or whatever(can't really remember).
You don't need top data, it's just nice to have
Point is it's free, for very occasional users.

If you don't mind spending about $25-30, and have an Android tablet, Ozi Android is about as good as it gets. I can help sort you with some basic maps to start with.
There are some free maps for whole of Aus available too. Hema's maps for it are good, cost is up there tho.

Avenza have lots of free topo maps. Paper, books and electronic are also available from Westprint.

Originally Posted by jon3950

Just get the Hema High Country map, it is perfectly adequate for what you are doing. Where you are planning to go is either well signposted or its obvious where to go.

I have every map known to man of the High Country and this is the one I keep returning to.

You can buy it online from Hema.

Cheers,
Jon

Agree with Jon re the Hema High Country map as your paper map planner.

If you also want a free mapping app with free offline maps, I'd recommend maps.me. I first used this when touring Europe recently and found it so good that I have continued to use it on numerous local trips. After downloading the app you then download and store the maps for the area you'll be travelling in/through.

I also run OziExplorer on the same 8" Samsung Tablet but use the Maps.me app mostly due to the navigation feature.

The detail that you get when you zoom into an area with Maps.me is amazing. I've just looked at the area around the Howqua and it shows all the huts and tracks that have been mentioned in your other thread, even the walking tracks !

Regarding mounting hardware for your devices, I use and recommend the RAM Mounts. A bit on the expensive side but they won't drop your device while you're negotiating that rough, steep track.

What part of Sydney are you in? If anywhere near Normanhurst you could call in and discuss/look at some of the alternatives.

Originally Posted by Xtreme

....

Regarding mounting hardware for your devices, I use and recommend the RAM Mounts. A bit on the expensive side but they won't drop your device while you're negotiating that rough, steep track.

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Yeah, but(there's always a but!) ..
The suction cups do age, and then whilst mounted on the glass, they let go.
Your device drops without warning and either scare the bejesuz out of 'ya, or it'll drop whilst just sitting parked, and destroy the fragile micro USB connection port and ruin the device(eg. phone charger)!

Don't need to ask me how I know that
In general tho, I used to be a non believer till I scored one from work, and having used RAM hardware now for many years, not really much else is comparable.

Originally Posted by AK83

Yeah, but(there's always a but!) ..
The suction cups do age, and then whilst mounted on the glass, they let go.
Your device drops without warning and either scare the bejesuz out of 'ya, or it'll drop whilst just sitting parked, and destroy the fragile micro USB connection port and ruin the device(eg. phone charger)!

Don't need to ask me how I know that
In general tho, I used to be a non believer till I scored one from work, and having used RAM hardware now for many years, not really much else is comparable.

I've got a couple of screw mount bases so only use the suction one occasionally but imagine they could be a problem on a very hot day in which case, resetting them occasionally should overcome the possible problem. Still the most positive suction type mount I've encountered.

Originally Posted by 4xsama

where is a good map shop - they all seem to have closed,

I've always used the Map Centre in Parramatta. It's been a couple of years since I was last in but they're still going:
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