OLT and OSM

[Ent]

As more than a few would have gathered that I am a gear freak. So on the OLT I packed my Garmin 62s, Garmin Fenix GPS watch and Garmin Rino 650 plus iPhone in a Lifeproof case. All were loaded with OSM map data. The aim was to "test" the above in a reality safe environment.

The iPhone had Mudmap which can run vector files rather than raster files. It still in development so only shows tracks and not lakes, etc. It is aimed more at 4wd market. They are strongly pushing their customers to become contributors to OSM as 4wd tracks are like walking tracks are been censored from "official" maps. The lack of geographical features plus the iPhone failing in the cold meant this approach is not suitable for below ten degree conditions. An iPhone running say Memory Map can be very handy in summer months providing that you are aware of the limitations.

The 62s was running Garmjn's mega expensive maps and as another user of the same GPS found not even the OLT appeared on it. For bushwalking Garmin maps are a con. Their only saving grace is they are very good showing rivers, creeks and lakes.

The Rino was the main planning tool and routable OSM maps were loaded. Routable means that the tracks are used rather than straight lines between points. This means greater accuracy in calculating distance. But be aware that the calculated distance is shorter than actual due to string theory. By that, the number of nodes on a track governs the length. The greater the number of nodes, ie detail, the better the estimated distance. On most sections the estimated distance was between one to two kilometres shorter than published distances. I love the Rino 650 as its interface is usable, battery life excellent and most importantly it will work in harsh conditions.

The Fenix as mentioned is a great toy but not a tool. The remote wireless temperature gauge was a top gadget. Its ease of use meant that it was great recoding the distanced covered and the time taken. Very handy for planning start and finish times. But it was near useless at Pine Valley when it could not find satellites.

Now in the process of refining OSM data to improve track placement and number of nodes plus adding in platforms, toilets, etc.

For people with Garmjns OSM maps are very handy for the OLT in planning and monitoring progress. I strongly doubt most will need them for navigation reasons due the track being well marked but in snow and a whiteout they are very usable.

Cheers.

[Ent]

After many hours of work the OLT is now refined so should be better represented on the the Garmin GPS maps from OSM available on the OSM Australian website free of charge. Anyway be interest in reading any feedback from people that use them.

Cheers