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Topo maps on computer or iPad

Wed 01 Feb, 2012 5:52 pm

I know I can buy digital topographic maps from various commercial enterprises as well as from government agencies. Does anyone know where I can download them in a more economical form?

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Wed 01 Feb, 2012 5:57 pm

I use a thing called memory-map. They have a full set of Tas topo 1:25000 maps for about $90 I think and the software to use it is free. I have them installed on my iPhone and iPad, but I think they also work on pc's.

Topo maps on computer or iPad

Wed 01 Feb, 2012 7:09 pm

I saw them, but I move around a lot and would prefer something more unitary. Thanks though...

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sun 05 Feb, 2012 7:04 am

Firstly 'mud map' is a pretty good app but the new version (v3) is $60 and the maps are about $3 each.

Vicmap allow you to download custom a4 1:30,000 maps for $3 (also a3 for a bit more). You can then load the PDF onto your pad. They also recommend an app called PDF maps and they say it'll allow gps on your custom maps but it hasn't worked for me yet.

Anyhoo, good luck

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sun 05 Feb, 2012 7:11 am

oyster_07 wrote:I saw them, but I move around a lot and would prefer something more unitary. Thanks though...


I'm not sure what you mean? Memory-map has topo maps and nautical charts for most of the world. It seems to work on multiple platforms and you can use a variety of map formats.

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sun 05 Feb, 2012 7:30 am

You can get a complete topo map app of the whole of NZ's South Island for your ipad from MapApp NZ South in the App Store. About $16 for the whole island. Pretty good value I reckon. I used it last time I was there and it's great. There's one for the Nth Island too

Topo maps on computer or iPad

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 5:32 pm

I use mud map. Only download the maps for the area needed but it isn't that much to buy the full groups

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:08 pm

I am an Oziexplorer user and have lots of maps of Tassie however I get them free from work. They are expensive for the average punter but are available cheaper via memory map (as noted above)

For NZ I sent over a hard drive to LINZ and now have all that imagery as well as GIS data - http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography - plus its all free

You used to be able to get Geoscience Australia maps free off the web (1:250K scale) but it was a bit of a hassle so the $99 dvd is pretty good value.

For the ipad - bitmap from nixanz (of course) - http://nixanz.com/ios/bitmap/

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Fri 17 Feb, 2012 8:26 pm

I have bitmap, fell asleep rereading the the intro (sorry nik :) ) I'm sure if i worked through it....
I was interested in memory map but its no longer (or not now at least) available as an iphone app.. I would think, unless maybe 'one' owned or had acess to a heap of paper maps already that this (or mudmap) would be worth the cost. I don't have many 1:25k maps...
The bulk map packages are cheaper than gov (here in tas anyhow..)

Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sat 18 Feb, 2012 8:59 am

The problem with Memory Map is that you can't use the maps in any way other than with Memory Map. Very frustrating for me.

I agree that the documentation for Bit Map is woeful. It's comprehensive, but it's not easy to follow. I'd like to fix it, but would rather spend the time on the radical improvements coming in the complete rewrite for Bit Map 4.0 (aka Mega Map).

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sat 18 Feb, 2012 10:21 am

Don't know if these are of much use to you but Festy from GPS Australia Forum has Vic 1:50,000 topo maps for use with Oziexplorer here: http://maps.festy.org/downloads/ozi/VIC/.

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sun 19 Feb, 2012 5:20 pm

i use memory map too and can get images from memory map to other programs using the print image function - printing to microsoft office onenote then opening via photoshop.....

also memorymap run via a holux gps reviewed HERE

Topo maps on computer or iPad

Sun 19 Feb, 2012 5:32 pm

How much of a map can you print at a time to a single whole image? Might be worth another look.

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Tue 28 Feb, 2012 6:30 pm

I saw a comment on a 4wd forum that seemed to indicate the use of Memory/Mud maps through an app called GPSKIT (for its additional features tracking/multi person tracking/ waypoints etc etc ). I have this (it was $11..) and has a few interesting loaded formats (Google terrain seems incredibly clear, able to follow much of the Arthurs route... i'm impressed!! Likely just google earth resolution but things have definitely improved if so..) It allows cached map tiles and seems to have a feature for accessing other maps (via URL). This also reaches the limits of my (and available explanations) abilities. Someone much smarter than me is taking a look but if anyone has this app perhaps they could shed some light? Mmap software isn't available for iphone. GPSkit does have included Topo maps but even at zoomed scale they have little detail..

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Tue 28 Feb, 2012 6:32 pm

While at it, Bird in the Hand and Frog Log... The birds wont tweet and the frogs don't croak lol...

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Tue 28 Feb, 2012 9:22 pm

Nuts wrote:While at it, Bird in the Hand and Frog Log... The birds wont tweet and the frogs don't croak lol...


Are you saying you get no sound with those two apps? Is it the same if you put in headphones? Drop me a PM with the issue - I had the same trouble and figured out the solution.

Re: Topo maps on computer or iPad

Tue 28 Feb, 2012 9:53 pm

Yes, thanks Phil.
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