Ozi explorer v Discover AUS

Graham,

what you are wanting to achieve you can do so with OziExplorer. The advantage with OziExplorer is you can use many different kinds of digital maps (as well as scan your own paper maps and use them - once you calibrate them)

cheers,
Sam.

DiscoverAus has the streets and tracks as its name would suggest, but no topographic detail. Oziexplorer will allow you to use any map you like if you scan it in, or the NatMap raster series and the Hema Maps which are designed for it. The other issue with DiscoverAus, as far as I can tell, is that it only works with a Magellan GPS. Ozi plus NatMap raster is cheaper than DiscoverAus. The Hema Grt Desert Tracks for DiscoverAus are very expensive compared with the standard version. I'd get Ozi first, then DiscoverAus later if you feel you need it.

Hi Graham,

I use both extensively for 4wding and geocaching.

The pros and cons as I find them are as follows:

DiscoverAUS
+ Good map detail.
Misunderstood by many users who don't realise detail is restricted to close zoom levels. This can be overcome by editing the config files though and instructions on how to do so are readily available.
+/- Only way to generate detail map files for Meridian. Therefore a necessity for a Meridian owner.
- Lack of topo information but this will be overcome by the release of the next generation of DiscoverAUS which will have topo mapping. According to press releases this will be out in May 2005. Can't wait to see it. There should be many improvements.
+ Good street, POI, reference search functions and databases. A little clumsy in implementation but works well. Also provides same search ability on maps on GPS once regions are downloaded.
- Compared with Ozi upload download time for track points and waypoints is slow. Don't know why when both are set to the same baud rate.

OziExplorer
- Requires greater understanding of product to use.
+ Once you understand it there's little you can't do with it.
+ Can use what ever maps you like. I have about 6 gig of maps on my laptop last I looked. Haven't found anywhere I want to go that I can't get maps for yet though some areas are better supported than others.
- Street/location searches have to have databases downloaded and set up.
+ You can edit or construct your own databases.
+ Can use scanned paper maps if you have a map you want to use.
- Can't upload detail maps to GPS
+ Variety of add ins for playing with - eg OziPhoto - a program that will synchronise your track file with your digital photos and create waypoints on your map that open photos when you mouse over them at the very location you took it (providing your camera is time sync'd to your GPS)
+ Great moving map software
+ OziCE available for PDA use.
+ Ozi3D for 3d mapping.

Pager just went off, that will have to do for now.

Dave

Thanks everyone for your detailed feedback. It is much appreciated.