Android Auto

Android Auto is an app produced by Google - so you are locked into Google maps.

Keep in mind that we specifically developed our app ExplorOz Traveller to run our maps EOTopo offline. There are a few clever settings to help you such as "Stay Awake" which when viewing the map screen (only if on the map screen) will override your device's screen time out setting for your convenience when driving and needing to see the map. All other screens will auto time out for battery saving. Obviously when driving in moving map mode you are using the GPS to display current position so with the screen on, and GPS running it will use more battery power than usual but it is does not use internet if you have it turned off, or if you disable data.

Another good setting is that if you have a device with a sim, you can keep the mobile data setting on and let the app detect when you have/haven't got service. In this mode, if you are viewing online maps and then lose service the app will automatically switch to show the offline map at your position. Note that when you have service you can view EOTopo maps for whole of Australia at 18K detail (level 16 zoom) and when you switch to offline the max zoom is level 14 (which is 144K detail) if you have the Premium maps loaded.

When online the map also gives you access to Streets & Paths which is very similar to Google maps but different... Also you have access to Satellite maps.

When online there are a few background processes that are good to let run - eg. auto sync your tracking, place comments, etc.So this is a good option to use if you are moving around in the cities, towns and regional areas or out on the open highways.

Thank you for those detailed replies. So what type of display device and ExploreOz maps are most people using in their vehicle for traversing remote outback areas eg Simpson Desert, Hay River and Canning? Android or IOs Tablets? I can do that - just would be nice to avoid another large piece of hardware in the cabin if I could have run offroad and topo maps on a phone and connect to the vehicle display as the on road maps do.

Thank you Michelle, Gemma and Bob.
Looks like the Traveller App will be great and I'll download that and see how it goes. Thanks again for your help