OziExplorer

Have a look herefor some good info on the "basics", and go to the Oziexplorer siteto update your software.

You will also need to connect a GPS to your laptop. If you don't have a GPS you can connect then there are many USM GPS "mice" on the market that will do the job, have a look at one of theseavailable on this site.

Margaret,

There are quite a few experts who will reply in due course (they must be all out camping at the moment!) Meanwhile I suggest that the best place to start is the official Ozi site OZIEXPLORER

The current version is 3.95.4 It is a simple matter to install your disk and register it. The updates are always free and readily available on that site.

The best advice I can give is to set up your "configuration" and to install any digital maps exactly as described ie in a folder called "Maps" within oziexplorer.

I use the NATMAP raster maps (cost about $100 for all of australia) and HEMA Great Desert Tracks on disk. I also carry the paper Hema maps, but you can print them off your Ozi program too.

You will need a GPS input for your laptop if you want to see the moving map display. There are different ways of doing this and the experts will suggest many. I actually use a small handheld device called a PDA and "OziCE" in the car for this essential moving map display.

While OZIEXPLORER is a wonderfully useful planning aid and display, you probably won't use it much for regular road touring and even off road on the recognised tracks. The Ozi does not give "Turn by Turn " navigation instructions like the GPS/ navigation devices that you see in every store catologue. If you want this type of navigational assistance there are ways and means but I won't go into them here. Some "street navigators" do a quite good job with the addition of offroad maps (Garmin Nuvi 700 series for example) and then you don't need to worry about Oziexplorer at all!

Good luck

Kingo

Hi Margaret
Do not despair with the version of Ozi that you have, it is the same version that I purchased about 4 years ago. Just log on to www.oziexplor.com and follow the prompts. On the left hand side of their home page, you will see under software, OziExplorer and click on that. Down near the bottom of the page that opens, you will see Download - version 3.95.4s which is the latest version. The upgrade is free and Des has a great support service via email if you need to contact him for any reason.
Apart from Ozi, you will need to have loaded maps that Ozi can work with. The best all round maps that I find great for all of Australia coverage are the Natmap Series, available from here at the ExplorOz shop.
To use the system as a moving map set up you will need to have some sort of GPS receiver connected to your laptop. The cheapest and most versatile little unit to purchase is the BU 353 GPS mouse, very easy to install and works a treat if you do not want to buy a hand held GPS unit.

All the best and welcome to the best thing since sliced bread.

Cheers

Stephen

Margaret,

If you want to learn from a book, I can recommend "Gps Vehicle Navigation in Australia" by Robert Pepper. It is available from this site or you can usually find it in specialist stores.

Kingo

Geoscience AustraliaAs others have said, updates are free once registered.

My suggestion is first go through the help files, they cover most of what you need to know.

Remember that Ozi is a very extensive program with a great deal of capability, but it is not necessarily simple to new comers. You really need some degree of understanding of mapping to use it.

Another good place for advise is here

Ozi users group where there are many people who are very experienced users who are always ready to answer your questions.

As for maps, you can download 1:25,000 maps as well as satellite photo-maps for free here

geoscience australia

Hi Margaret

I see you live in NSW. GPS Oz run OziExlorer/GPS courses in NSW. Check them out at http://www.gpsoz.com.au/training.htm

I have been dealing with Brian Somerville at GPSOz for many years. He does a great job. He has a retail outlet in Monavale as well.

Laurie

Thanks, this is what i am looking for,
margaret