|
Robert,
The issue with these maps is that they are out of date. Back in the 80's I was using paper copies of these maps which I think were last updated in the 60's. Offhand I can think of two occasions when we attempted to follow tracks which just petered out and disappeared. On one occasion it could have been dangerous. Another time we wound up on an unmarked track which fortunately was a shortcut to where we were going, but we didn't know that.
Our inexperience, overconfidence and naivety was also a contributing factor in us getting ourselves somewhat misplaced, and or course we didn't have a GPS. However the biggest issue was us believing something which should be accurate but isn't. I've just checked a digital 2011 version of these maps and those three errors are still there. I also pick up another one as I scanned across the map. In remote areas minor tracks get covered by sand or washed away, they fall into disuse and degrade and other tracks get opened up to replace the older tracks or to reach new destinations. They still have a place as they may contain detail missing from other maps but I will never rely solely on a topo map for track navigation. Maps by HEMA (for all of Aust) or Rooftop (for the high country) and probably some other specialist maps (I'd be glad to hear of any) are much more up to date and the information better reflects where you can go and what the road/track will be like.
cheers,
David
|