Memory Maps 4WD GPS Navigation Tutorial & Review | Best Hema Raster Replacement? [2021]

Memory Maps aka Hema 4wd App is my longest continuous used GPS Navigation application when 4wd driving. I purchased Hema 4wd app over 7 years ago but recently transferred everything over to Memory-Maps who Hema licenced the software from. So here is a beginners Tutorial and my Review of Memory Maps GPS Navigation for iOS.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Is this the best Hema replacement? What do you think? Hi Guy's, some viewers seem to be confused as I recently also did a quite favourable ExplorOz review. Let me explain when touring I have always used multiple mapping apps and generally travel with two iPad's mounted and use two different apps and maps. I will also revert to other applications and maps to cross-check information. So I'm still often using ExplorOz as one of my mapping apps, but the track logging and track sharing is still a bit cumbersome in my book (as explained in review). Before ExplorOz, I have run Hema Explorer and Hema 4WD app as my main and secondary app and used that for track logging and cross-referencing. What has changed Hema Explore is not working for the past year and has now been discontinued. The new Hema 4x4 Explorer I don't like at all (check my review) and I don't like where Hema is going so given MemoryMap and Hema 4wd app are the same I now switched to Memory Map for my track logging, track sharing and GPX importing. This also gives me access to the older Hema Raster Maps (which I always liked) as well as the 25k Topo Maps for Australia. So my current main touring set-up is one iPad ExplorOz one the other iPad Memory Maps. This can always change as new apps become available, old apps get feature updates or existing apps become buggy with new software releases. I'm not locked into any platform and use what fits the situation best.

[@J-P88]

No, nothing special as they Use Hema maps As well. No GPS use for route as you have to mark it yourself, for that there are cheaper options if not outright free options. But i guess if you have invested alot in Hema and have everything set then probably is, as you can transfer across. In 2021 and usability looks like a pain, and then also can't create folders as you stated

[@rob45x]

Hema 'apps' are crap these days. Their actual gps units are good but I'd still rather a combo of memory maps and gaia maps on a tablet.

[@J-P88]

@@rob45x i currently use Gaia and Avenza as well as Hema paper maps, haven't found any decent apps i am willing to spend money on let alone have to pay upfront fee and then a Subscription, as the set-ups they use look 10 years out of date so not worth giving them money for it

[@AlloffroadAu]

@Rob G yea Gaia is just too limited for me, I really like the application and many features but no state downloadable map and requires online connection for POI DB is a big NO No for me.

[@luisguerreiro1806]

Greeting from the UK. We also use memory maps in the UK, mainly to identify what tracks we can use. But changes all the time, less and less available. You guys down under are really lucky. Love watching the videos. Thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thanks for sharing! Getting less and less here as well but still quite a bit to drive..

[@mikehzz9848]

I've been using Memory Maps since the start and have found it super reliable, never freezes and yes, it is great at logging. I have the Hema set and the 25k state Topos. I've used it on Ios, Windows and Android as my devices have changed over the years. It's hard to beat really, a bit like a Toyota in terms of flashiness versus reliability.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes mate would agree there, it has always been one of the apps I have been running.

[@Richo435a]

Another great video thank you very much.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Phil_McAvity]

I’ve had the $99 Hema maps on my iPad for around 5 years now and I can’t really fault it. It’s definitely paid for itself. I gotta say, I’m struggling to see the difference between the Hema $99 app and this MM. This being said I do agree with your thoughts to move away from Hema, their GPS units aren’t that good for the money you pay. The mapping market is open & ready for someone to come in & take over to lead the way. Considering we’re almost in 2022 the digital mapping industry is below par in my opinion.

[@AlloffroadAu]

No difference in regards to functionality Hema 4wd is MemoryMap however, with MemoryMaps, you purchase not just a single OS licence but Android, iOS, Mac and PC. Given Hema's history of discontinuing apps the likelyhood of that happening is probably bigger with Hema than Memory Maps.

[@GI-AUS]

Hi, I just ordered a new 8" Samsung Android tablet for use as a navigator for Australia 4WD and marine. It has Galileo, a 16:10 screen and Micro SD card port. What size Micro SD card would you recommend as a good size for all mapping? I would hate to run out of space and have to delete maps.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I don't use Android so dont have the option to upgrade I would say if you like to run 2-3 mapping apps with all Maps downloaded at least 128GB but 256 better

[@DarrylLawson]

Thanks Stefan! I wonder why not use Avenza? A much better quality app, and can get HEMA raster. But I don’t think you can get a HEMA map bundle though.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I used Avenza for a while, and still do from time to time but somehow find it to cumbersome to acquire maps but it's definitely a good app.

[@DarrylLawson]

@@AlloffroadAu Yes I agree it is hard to get the maps in Avenza. There is so many maps available in a big linear list, it is hard to find what you are after.

[@moikehunt8928]

Could you explain please what you mean by 25k maps. 25K maps as opposed to what other sorts? I notice for instance you have, for example, Vic topo maps 25K as well as 50K. Could you explain the difference between the two and why you might need both? TIA.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Alright, imagine you have a big, beautiful drawing of your favourite park. Now, let’s say you want to make a tiny version of that drawing so you can carry it around in your pocket. Raster map scaling is a bit like that. When you see something like 1:25k or 1:50k on a map, it tells you how much smaller the drawing (map) is compared to the real place. 1:25k means that 1 centimetre on the map equals 25,000 centimetres in real life. Think of it as if you took your park drawing and made everything 25,000 times smaller. This means you get more detail because you’re making a smaller area look bigger on the map. 1:50k means that 1 centimetre on the map equals 50,000 centimetres in real life. It’s like making the park drawing 50,000 times smaller. This version will show a bigger area but with less detail than the 1:25k map. So, 1:25k is like a closer look at a smaller piece of the park, while 1:50k is a look at a larger piece of the park but not as close up. So, for detailed trail navigation, go with 1:25k. For big-picture planning, use 1:1M.

[@graemetowner7257]

if you could take just one iPad with one mapping app, which would it be, Memory Map or Explore oz or something else...appreciate they all have pros and cons but interested in your thoughts...

[@AlloffroadAu]

If you like to Explore, go remote and don't mind being sometimes led up the garden path I would suggest ExplorOz the maps are great but it still has a few issues with track logging, GPX import and the likes. If you drive mainly in better known tracks, say Simpson Desert and the likes the Hema speciality raster maps are very good and detailed but I would recommend something like Wiki Camps in addition to Memory Maps. If track logging or importing and sharing GPX files is important to you I would suggest Memory Maps.

[@graemetowner7257]

@@AlloffroadAu great mini review of three systems, may need to run 3 iPads ..ha ha !! thanks

[@DeLFeTube]

ExporOz

[@stum9813]

Thought I'd leave my 2c here in addition to the app store review. I cannot get stable GPS on my iPad Air so app is not usable on that. A bit disappointed as I upgraded my old Android tablet to iPad with a view that Memory Map would be a suitable replacement for my OziExplorer setup after trialling it for a short while on iPhone. On iPhone, the app connects to GPS ok, but after now using it for some time I find the apps zoom limitations restrictive when trying to locate a turn off based on distances under 1km (e.g. following trip notes or hiking) unless you have turned on tracking and running the app as a trip meter. On my Android setup you can zoom to the right level and then easily ballpark distances based on the scale you've zoomed to. Easy to do on Memory Map as well but only when dealing with scales over 2km... An annoying bug is the app also auto zooming to the HEMA 250k map when zooming in from the HEMA 150k map. I've now turned off the auto map change on zoom function. The cloud sync function is a pain as well. Its constantly confusing itself as to the latest files when doing something like setting up a trip on the PC app then syncing to mobile device. I'd like more ability to define transfers here (i.e. determine which direction sync occurs). Ill either look to return to Android and the faithful OziExplorer app or drop some $$$ on the Garmin Tread if I can find some reviews showing it actually being used.

[@AlloffroadAu]

hm I agree with more control about cloud syncing. I have have 2 iPad airs one is the main ipad I use and never had that issue. Given it works on your phone I dare to say you have an hardware issue with your iPad.

[@christurner68]

Hi mate, what happened to exploreOz maps, I thought they were your favourite on last maps review?

[@AlloffroadAu]

Hi Guy's, some viewers seem to be confused as I recently also did a quite favourable ExplorOz review. Let me explain when touring I have always used multiple mapping apps and generally travel with two iPad's mounted and use two different apps and maps. I will also revert to other applications and maps to cross-check information. So I'm still often using ExplorOz as one of my mapping apps, but the track logging and track sharing is still a bit cumbersome in my book (as explained in review). In the past, I have run Hema Explorer and Hema 4WD app as my main and secondary app and used that for track logging and cross-referencing. What has changed Hema Explore is not working for the past year and has now been discontinued. The new Hema 4x4 Explorer I don't like at all (check my review) and I don't like where Hema is going so given MemoryMap and Hema 4wd app are the same I now switched to Memory Map for my track logging, track sharing and GPX importing. This also gives me access to the older Hema Raster Maps (which I always liked) as well as the 25k Topo Maps for Australia. So my current main touring set-up is one iPad ExplorOz one the other iPad Memory Maps. This can always change as new apps become available, old apps get feature updates or existing apps become buggy with new software releases. I'm not locked into any platform and use what fits the situation best.

[@christurner68]

@@AlloffroadAu you would paying money for the maps and apps there would be a progression into updating but it seems they just take the money and run whilst the fruit is ripe for the picking. HEMA has definitely gone down hill since being taken over and it unfortunately been taken over by a company that has other revenue streams and is just milking what it can out of the HEMA subscription until it’s death.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yes I concur mate very sad and I'm sure the original Hema owners feel sad how the son run the company in the ground... It's not that difficult to create an app which 95% of people like.

[@christurner68]

@@AlloffroadAu let’s do it…….👍

[@AlloffroadAu]

@@christurner68 hm it would be interesting getting back in development but mapping software in Australia is a small market from a business standpoint there would probably be other apps better to develop.

[@pamelanewport5007]

Can you explain the difference between Hema 4WD maps ($49) and Hema Explorer maps ($99) please?

[@AlloffroadAu]

hema 4x4 is MemoryMaps licenced and the Hema raster maps, Hema 4x4 Explorer is the "new" subscription based app with vector maps and a bad usability look up my review about it.

[@Gouldee07]

The memory map web site says auto routing is a feature. Can you confirm that? Only when online?

[@AlloffroadAu]

don't think Memory-Maps has auto-routing, personally, I use google maps for on-road and auto-routing is not very good for off-road anyway.

[@andrewtoon1954]

What is the difference between basic and professional is it worth paying the extra for professional???

[@AlloffroadAu]

from memory you don't need the professional version, can't remember the extra features but was nothing I would ever need.

[@andrewcakulslynnetteoregan3934]

You should have mentioned the 3D fly through on windows.

[@AlloffroadAu]

yea haven't used the windows app as I'm on a Mac, would be nice have same features on Mac.

[@lachygordon]

Is there the ability to download maps to external uSD card on Android tablet?

[@AlloffroadAu]

good question I'm not familiar with Android but I would think/hope you can.

[@lachygordon]

Appears so support.memory-map.com/711466-Loading-maps-to-SD-card-on-Android

[@customcraftnadventure]

Hi. I have come across this issue with memory map. It worked like magic the first few days I downloaded it but it started becoming unreliable after the first week. The app simply will not display my current location. I made sure my location is on. I was wondering if you have come across this issue. TIA.

[@AlloffroadAu]

no not at all, do you use the new MMFA? I would think It is more likely a issue with your build in GPS than the app

[@customcraftnadventure]

@@AlloffroadAu not too sure what MMFA is. Care to elaborate a bit?

[@AlloffroadAu]

the new Memory Map for All App just released

[@customcraftnadventure]

@@AlloffroadAu I think what I have is just memory map. Is that outdated?

[@AlloffroadAu]

MemoryMap for All is out now as a soft launch, been testing it for some time now and have consulted too MM for some bug testing and feature implementation. It's a pretty good app I will do a review tutorial in a few month.

[@Dennis-zr3fb]

You are backing yourself into a corner, not that long ago you were telling everyone about ExploreOz and how that was the go to GPS Map application, I bought ExploreOz on that basis and have to say I like it and it is better than Hema, now your here basically saying the same thing about Memory Maps. I realise having an alternative is a good idea but please make up tour mind, no-one would disagree with about Hema. Cheers Dennis

[@AlloffroadAu]

Hi Dennis, no I'm not backing myself into any corner I have always used many different apps clearly explained in many videos, I run always two iPad's at the same time with different maps and different resolutions and one is running ExplorOz and one is running Memory-Maps or in the past the old Hema 4x4 app or old Hema Explorer, or Avenza. I'm not locked into any particular platform or application. I also never had an issue with the older Hema raster maps it started going haywire when they switched over to WherIs vector maps. Each of their maps has its pros and cons. Hope that explains it Stefan

[@DeLFeTube]

ExplorOz is the bomb! You made the right purchasing decision.

[@DeLFeTube]

I’m thoroughly confused now. Only a few weeks ago you where saying ExplorOz is all the rage and you exclusively have migrated to that ?

[@AlloffroadAu]

no mate you didn't watch my review then, I always have travelled with two iPad's fixed mounted and always run two different apps and maps, at present one is running ExplorOz and one is running Memory Map on the other. Still also have another 5 GPS Mapping apps I also may use depending on location and situation.