Heralding a new era in outback mapping:
Great Desert Tracks mapping data now available for GPS

Detailed mapping information on roads and tracks in remote Australia will be available for the first time for use with GPS receivers with the release of Australia's Great Desert Tracks on Magellan GPS by Hema Maps and Magellan GPS Systems today.

The software, available on CD-ROM and soon to follow Secure Digital (SD) Card, takes the information in Hema's Great Desert Tracks maps into an electronic format for Magellan mapping GPS receivers.

It allows users to access the extensive and GPS-accurate data collected by Hema Maps over the past four years during its intensive field-checking program in Australia's Outback.

This includes the display of location and track names together with important details such as fuel stops, water wells and points of interest such as sight seeing locations, historical landmarks, caves and graves.

Covering more than 200,000km of tracks and two-thirds of Australia's land mass, it details some of the country's most famous trails, including the Canning Stock Route, Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks, and encompasses Australia's major deserts including the Great Victorian Desert, Simpson Desert and Great Sandy Desert.

"The accuracy of Hema Maps' information combined with the exceptional functionality of a Magellan Mapping GPS Unit offers travellers the best of both worlds," Mr Peter David, Marketing Manager for Hema Maps said.

"Using Hema Maps' mapping data on a Magellan GPS mapping receiver takes the intrepidation out of Outback travel, ensuring a safe and fun journey," Ms Anne Stade, Marketing Manager for Magellan GPS Systems explained.

"The Desert Tracks display as a moving map with the GPS receiver providing your current location on the track and showing movement in real time - you can see where you are on the track in relation to where you are going.

The added bonus is that you can mark waypoints on the map for places you would love to return to in the future, like favourite camping and fishing spots," Ms Stade said.

"Releasing Hema Maps' data for GPS users allows us to share our expertise and years of Outback mapping; it is a significant step in improving the safety of Outback travel," Mr David concluded.

The CD-ROM software is compatible with the following Magellan GPS models; Meridian series - GPS, Gold, Marine, Platinum and Color (SD card required), SporTrak Map and SporTrak Pro.

Australia's Great Desert Tracks software for GPS and Magellan GPS receivers are available from camping, outdoor and mapping retailers across Australia. For stockists freecall 1800 644 033.

Information on Magellan GPS Systems is available from the website www.magellan.com.au and for Hema Maps visit www.hemamaps.com