What is the difference between the Hema Premium maps and the Touring Maps on the 4x4 Explorer app?
The Hema Premium maps subscription on the 4x4 Explorer map allows you to Download onto your device the Premium maps on a state by state basis. These will stay active on your device as long as your subscription is active.
The Hema Mapping team are constantly checking and updating Australia's 4WD tracks and posting the information to the Premium map database.
The following examples show the difference between the standard Touring maps and the Premium Maps.
K'gari Island
Track Gradings:
In the example shown above you will notice that the Premium map show's the track gradings as:
The benefits of knowing what the track may be like ahead of time is important both in time and cost to the explorer. If you are towing a van and turn up at a difficult or impassable track you may be forced to turn back ( not always easy to do) and find another way - costing you fuel, time and possibly a stone cold silence between the travelling team.
Creb Track.
To check current road conditions - https://douglas.qld.gov.au/road-conditions/creb-track/
Topographical lines:
Another benefit of having the Premium maps downloaded on your device is that they will show up the topographical lines.
In the example above of the Creb track, the Premium maps show that the terrain is anything but flat. There is going to be a lot of hill climbing and descents involved with travelling this road.
The Touring map on the other hand while showing you the road, looks like a casual Sunday drive through the area.
Extra Information:
While the touring map still contains the Points of Interest ( POI's) there are a number of extras that are only available on the Premium maps.
Broad Arrow WA:
In this example in WA, you will see there are listed dams, mines, and buildings that are missing from the touring map. It also shows many other points such as waterholes, abandoned mines, wells, bores and wind pumps.
The collection of all the data is a massive and ongoing undertaking which is supported by the premium map subscription. It is a cost effective way to have the most up to date off road maps in Australia available on your mobile device.