Maps for Garmin GPS. Garmin topo vs Oztopo

Hi Zig,
you need to look at previos threads about this topic, as similar Q's come up all the time. Can give you some info though that may help.
The Johny Appleseed Topo maps for Garmin show 5mtr contours. The OzTopo version 10mtr contours. For the short time I have had shonkymaps (free), shonky seems to have many similarities to OzTopo, but not as detailed (from what I have seen so far) as the Johnny Appleseed version. Friend has Johnny Appleseed and I have Oztopo. We have tried to compare the maps with areas we both know and have traveled. Difficult to say which is better overall. Some of my magellan maps show tracks garmin don't and vice versa.

I haven't seen garmins own version of Topomaps so can't comment. No matter what you use it's always wise to look at google, paper contour maps, NATMAP and other commercial maps etc you can get hold of before your trip. It's amazing what you will find on one and not the other etc.

In the end it's your preference and what $ you want to spend. Personally I would stick with a product made in Oz if possible.

Try and find others in your area who own thes products so that you can see them for yourself if possible.

Any way, enjoy the research, and you will find any one of the products useful in any case.

The topo packages like shonky maps contain additional non-routable data.

However, the new Garmin Topo Australian products has the topo data and additional routeable road and track data.

"TOPO Australia includes up-to-date 100K coverage (where exists), with coast to coast 3-D DEM (digital elevation model) shading accompanied by 20 metre contour coverage and route elevation profiles in compatible units.

Turn-by-turn directions are available on compatible units with routable road content provided by NAVTEQ and HEMA. This includes everything from urban streets to national highways including famous outback routes such as Birdsville, Strezelecki, Oodnadatta, Canning Stock and more.

You can search points of interest by name or proximity to your location, in both urban and outback areas, including lodging, entertainment, food, airports, parks, campsites, caravan parks and more, (provided by NAVTEQ and HEMA). Landmarks, place names and cities, mountains, water bodies, regions and more can also be searched for.

Coverage includes national, regional and local parks, perennial & seasonal lakes, rivers & streams, as well as railways, tracks, paths and trails. Perfect for your next bushwalking, camping or 4WD adventure"

OZtopo yes you can turn contours on and off.

Topo Australia - no.