Saturday, 20 June 2015

How to get free Topo maps of Australia on your Iphone/Android Phone?



Free Topo Maps of Australia on your mobile device



Follow this step by step guide to download your free topo maps of Australia. 


Step 1. Get the map:


  1. To find the maps of the required area, go to https://www.ga.gov.au/products/servlet/controller?event=DEFINE_PRODUCTS
  2. In the search field click “Advanced”
  3. In the advanced menu select: “Topographic map”
  4. In the advanced menu select: “Draw area on map”
  5. On the map presented, select your required area
  6. Click the Magnifying glass icon to search. This will bring up the maps of the selected area in a list on the left side of the screen.
  7. Using the list presented, select the required area and click the file icon to download the file. If a small menu appears, select Download the map in GeoPDF format.
  8. Make sure to select the specific map of the area that you need. If unsure regarding the name of the area, you can also check the reference map for this site "Printed Topographic Map Index 100K/250K" the direct link to this map is: http://www.ga.gov.au/corporate_data/75410/100K_250K_Index_Front.pdfNote that you need to select the 1:250 000 scale maps areas (presented in light blue colour on the reference map)
  9. You can also continue and download further nearby maps.



Step 2. Get the maps on your mobile device:


  1. Go to the app store on your IPhone/IPad/Android device
  2. Search for the free app “PDF Maps” by Avenza Systems
  3. Download and install the app
  4. Once installed, open the app and tap the plus icon to add maps
  5. Add the maps that you have previously downloaded to your computer. You can also use your Dropbox account to transfer the files to you mobile device
  6. You will noticed that the maps take some time to get indexed.
  7. Once loaded on your device, you can browse the maps using the application. Notice that the maps are location aware and use the GPS on your device to position you on the map.

This guide was tested in June 2015.

This is a screenshot example from the map on a mobile device:


Wednesday, 17 June 2015

The Ultimate Camping Checklist

Our ultimate Camping Checklist for car campers is intentionally comprehensive so you don't forget anything important. You can print it out and use the column on the side as a tick box.

The list comprised based on multiple internet resources and our outdoor experience.

We intend to continue add and evolve this list and to add specific check lists for specific activities on this Blogpost. 

Check out our gear suggestions for different Outdoor activity types on our website.


Aussie Outdoor Gear

Aussie Outdoor Gear

Check Box Comments

In and Around Camp


✔︎
Tarp - Tarp Poles

Tent (with stakes and guylines)

Tent footprint

Tent-pole repair sleeve

Sun shade, additional tarp or screen house

Mallet or hammer (for tent stakes)

Sleeping bags

Sleeping bag liners

Sleeping pads/ Air mattresses / Pad/mattress repair kit

Pump for air mattresses

Cots

Hammocks

Pillows

Multi-tool or knife

Daypacks (see our Day Trip Checklist - coming soon)

Trekking poles

Folding chairs

Folding table

Headlamps (with extra batteries)

Flashlights (with extra batteries, bulbs)

Lanterns

Lantern fuel, Candels or batteries

Water filter or treatment tablets

Heater and gas

Clothing and Footwear

If chilly nights are possible, come prepared.
Moisture-wicking T-shirts and underwear


Quick-drying pants/shorts

Long-sleeve shirts for sun and bugs protection

Weather-shielding hats

Swimsuits

Bandanas or buffs

Scarfs

Boots or shoes suited to terrain

Socks (synthetic or wool)

Long underwear

Sleepwear

Insulating jacket or vest

Insulated pants

Gloves or mittens

Rainwear (jacket and pants)

Clothesline with clips

In-camp sandals or Crocs

Kitchen and Cooking



Stove

Windscreen

Fuel

Fuel bottle(s) with fuel funnel

Matches/lighter/Flint

Charcoal (with fire starter)

Firewood

Grill rack

Frying pan

Cook pots

Pot grabber

Cast iron/Dutch oven pot/pan and fire tri-pod


Portable coffee/espresso maker

Bottle opener/corkscrew/Can opener

Marshmallow/wiener roasting sticks

Food-storage containers

Resealable storage bags

Trash bags

Tablecloth and clips (or tape)

Coolers

Ice

Water bottles

Plates, bowls, mixing bowls/Mugs/cups

Utensils/Cutlery

Spatula

Kitchen organizer

Cutting board or cutting surface

Foil

Egg holder(s)

Hand/dish soap

Pot scrubber/sponge(s)

Collapsible water container(s)

Portable or standing camp sink

Drying rack

Quick-dry towels

Water tank 5/10/20 litre

Food



Coffee/Tea/Cocoa

Cereal/granola/oatmeal

Eggs (freeze-dried or fresh)

Breakfast bars

Batter mix

BBQ/Tomato  sauce

Butter/margarine

Jelly/jam

Bread/bagels

Meat (fresh and jerky)

Soup mixes/bouillon cubes

Prepared or freeze-dried meals

Cooking oil/spray

Fruit (dried and fresh)

Vegetables

Cheese

Crackers/chips

Noodles/Ramen

Chocolate/sweets

Marshmallows

Milk (powdered or fresh)

Drink mixes

Bottled/canned beverages

Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)

Salt/pepper

Spice kit

Herbs

Bouillon tablets/powder

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene



Camp Shower - check gas/battery

Ensuite Tent

Portable Toilet

Toilet paper

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Insect repellent

Hand sanitizer

Alcohol or antiseptic/baby wipes

Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses

First-aid kit (see First-Aid Checklist - coming soon)

Prescription medications

Toothbrush, toiletry kit

Cosmetics

Brush/comb

Sunglasses; earplugs

Emergency and Survival kit (see Survival Kit Checklist - coming soon)

For The Kids - Kids Camping List



Child carrier

Marshmallows

Playing cards

Footy ball

Kites

Geocaching materials (with GPS receivers)

Paddle ball set

Glow sticks

Flying discs

Puzzles (crosswords, etc.)

Board games

Water toys

Electronic toys

Boomerang

Star chart/night-sky identifier

Sketchpad with art supplies

Fishing and Water Sport Check List



Inflatable boat with paddles and PFDs

Fishing Rods, gear and license

Canoeing/kayaking gear

Water sandals

4WD/UTE Check List



Recovery bag

Car Fridge/Esky

Compressor

Air Pressure Gauge

GPS/Maps

Axe

Chainsaw - and fuel

Trailer/Bike rack

Duck tape

Miscellaneous



Camera/Camcorder

Bike

Memory cards

Battery Chargers

Binoculars

Maps

Guidebook

Interpretive field guides (fauna/flora)

Notebook and pen/pencil

Radio or music player with headphones

UHF radios

GPS

Paperbacks/DVDs or e-Books

Pet tent/bed/toys

Travel alarm clock

Umbrella

Before leaveing - don't forget to check these items before leaving



Weather conditions

Traffic conditions

Cell phone

Campsite location details and reservation confirmation

Wallet