map scales

Jono, you will not find better coverage than the Hema series regardless of the scale; have a good one.

Jono,
This is a horses for courses kind of thing, and it also depends on the terrain. I use the paper Hema maps, they are very good, but on the PC & GPS I use Auslig 1:250 000, and some 1:25 000. The problem with the 1:25000 is that you cross the in a 4WD to quickly, so whilst good for bushwalking, not so good in a car. I have used the 1:100 000 and I find this the best compromise on detail / size ... I'm now waiting for their release by AUSLIG on a few CD's then I'll be set.

Jono, as Andrew says, it depends on what information you want to get from the map. 1:25,000 topographic maps are great when you want to assess the type of terrain, i.e. steepness of tracks, water courses and possible bog-holes, vegetation (clearings, plantations, scrub). If your trip is only likely to cover a short distance, say less than 50k's a day over difficult terrain and it is important to know exactly where you are for navigation purposes, the smaller scale maps are better. Otherwise Hema maps are a good scale for touring over bigger distances. It all comes back to what sort of information you want from the map. You wouldn't use a world atlas to find a suburban street.

Had to cut short my previous reply, but the comment regarding use v scale is entirely correct. On my PC I also carry an Australian map at 1:2.5million, more general maps at about 1:1.5million, plus the Auslig CD's, so depeneding on the view I want, I just choose the appropriate map. All this is pretty easily accomplished on OziExplorer - a great bit of software.

It is my understanding that AUSLIG are looking to bring out 1:100K Cd's. These maps are already available from LPI in NSW, but they are bundled with the 1:25K maps and cost almost $1000 for all of NSW. Hopefully AUSLIG's pricing will be more user friendly!

Cheers
Andrew

Jono,everyone's advice is correct here although I will add that if you are generally touring and your interests are mainly finding access tracks, camp sites, points of interest, facilities, river crossing etc then Hema and Westprint maps are generally of appropriate scale for that kind of use with additional information printed on the map and a key on the map to identify various points of interest.

Jono - I actually would recommended Hema's 4WD Road Atlas. The Discover 4WD book contains good maps in between trek notes with the trek notes being the main feature. In comparison the Road Atlas is better than the maps in the book as they are clearer, larger and easier to carry. The trek notes you see in Discover by 4WD are all covered by ExplorOz anyway plus more so get the best of both worlds and print off our treks and opt for the atlas.Having said that, the Discover NP book is a fabulous compliment - I am particularly impressed by it.