Australia: Hema Great Desert Tracks Road Maps

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Beautifully drawn, waterproof and tear-resistant maps designed to withstand the demands of the Outback. The series was specially prepared by Hema using base maps from Geoscience Australia, the country’s national survey organisation. The maps show roads and 4WD tracks, as well as very rough tracks which often become overgrown and may be difficult to follow. This information is divided into two groups: roads and tracks which were plotted with a GPS and computer during the fieldwork carried out by Hema, plus other tracks shown on the GA’s 1:250,000 topographic survey maps and on other sources, but not specifically verified by the publishers. The maps also show railways with stations and man-made features important for orienteering: disused railways, vermin proof fences, towers, gates, cattle grids, wells and waterholes, etc.

Altitude colouring indicates the terrain, with parks and reserves, aboriginal lands, registered heritage areas, defence and restricted entry areas all indicated by colours. Permanent and mainly dry or salt lakes, sand ridges and cliffs are marked. The maps have a grid at intervals of 30’ with ticks at 5’. GPS coordinates are given for important junctions, isolated accommodation facilities, etc.

An extensive range of symbols indicate tourist information: various types of accommodation, camping areas with facilities, stores, drinking water, medical facilities, petrol stations indicating types of fuel sold there, mechanical and tyre repairs facilities, etc. Also included are contact details for emergency services and tips for traveling across such a demanding terrain.

For those interested in Australia’s history, the maps show the routes taken by four explorers of the Outback: Carnegie (1896), Eyre (1840-1841), Forrest (1874) and Hann (1903).