I have had some issues with the accurancy of some mapping detail on my 2005 Natmap Raster 250K Maps(now renamed Natmap Digital)
Here is Geosciences statement on their website:
Accuracy and reliability
Maps
The 1:250 000 scale map images used in NATMAP Digital Maps 2008 are constructed from digital topographic data with a basic horizontal accuracy of approximately +/-120 metres. Therefore, the accuracy of positions reported by the software should approach that of the original paper map.
Topographic information included in the map images has been checked from multiple sources including satellite imagery. Most maps have not been field checked so some information may not be accurate or up to date, especially rapidly changing features such as telecommunication towers and
homestead names.
Every effort has been made to make the map images a useful reference. If you discover errors or omissions on the map, please contact Geoscience Australia (mapfeedback@ga.gov.au) or send your annotated NATMAP Digital Maps 2008 printout to us showing the map error.
The reliability of individual map sheets can be found on the Map Reliability page
Here is what I have sent to Mapping Feedback via email:
Yes, I have read your disclaimer but to my mind some of your mapping is a very 'hit and miss' affair.
I have used your paper maps for 30 years before I started using Natmap Raster 250K 2003 digital mapping in conjunction with Oziexplorer. Later I installed the 2005 version.
Without going in to too much detail:
There are tracks marked in the
Flinders Ranges which do not exist anymore
In the
Great Sandy Desert average height of dunes in some
places is shown as 5 metres whereas the dunes are 20-25 metres in height. The run of dune lengths is incorrect and obstacles are encountered which are not marked on the map.
On a recent trip north of
Broken Hill I could not believe the discrepancies existing in your mapping whereby numerous tracks are marked as major
routes when they do not exist any more. New roads have been in existence for some time and not shown on your maps.
This phenomena makes planning of journeys using your maps, hazardous to say the least. Although not life threatening, travelling in the
Great Sandy Desert this year, as trip leader of an expedition, I was forced to make different plans and drive longer distances to get around obstacles using more precious fuel supplies as your maps are inaccurate!
Although your Mapping has its errors I stil intend to purchase the 2008 Version. Your pricelist, although showing an update of 10 June 2008 at the top of the page, does not include the 2008 price list!
We shall see what transpires!
Cheers