I looked under the Christmas Tree and couldn't resist unwrapping a present with my name on it.
A USB stick with an EO logo on it.
Turned out to be the EO Topo 200K that David's been raving about lately.
I loaded it all ok, just copy and pasted the files to my oziexplorer/maps/Eotopo directory. (Ok, I created the Eotopo bit just earlier)
Had a choice of ECW or OZF format.
Opened Oziexplorer and selected a map - it opened first time.
You have a choice of all the states, with NSW and VIC bundled together, and an all of Australia map.
I must admit I wouldn't use this product for large city or town navigation, not because it isn't any good I might add, but because I am quite capable of reading street signs. The out of the way areas seem to have all the tracks you would need. Sand ridges seem to be in the right place, as does vegetation location.
Creek systems are quite accurate, though not as detailed as Natmaps 2008 series of maps.
The scale of 200K is a bit unusual, however is not a limiting feature. I'm used to gridlines of 10k or 50k, the 25k lines will be easy enough to get used to.
Elevation Points are labeled, however contours are not. I have not tried the DEM data, however have not used this for years anyway, so will probably not utilise.
Good to see all the EO Trek notes on the maps, that's a good selling point. Also the complete EO place database is part of the package. Although these points are uploaded by EO members and public, and I'm guessing un-verified, they would serve to be a useful tool. (I checked a few
places I have uploaded over the years and they are in the correct positions).
I am disappointed that lakes are not shown.
I would like to see more tenure boundaries in the future, such as Stations and Native Title.
Free updates have been promised, so I'm sure that this product will evolve into something that further reflects what the average EO member and public will need for their 4WD and general traveling requirements.
This is a discussion and not an actual review however if i could give it an official star rating I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Have a good Christmas everyone. and happy and adventurous travels in 2014.
Cheers
Alan