FAQs

1) Do the Backroad GPS Maps have similar information to City Navigator from Garmin?

Yes, we have most if not more local roads, recreational points of interest and routing features. We do not however offer all the City POI's City Navigator does, BUT you can use City Navigator in conjunction with our maps. We recommend you update your maps at least once a year to ensure you stay up to date with all of the changes happening out there.

2) Why should I buy the Backroad GPS Maps if I already have another TOPO Software?

Quite simply there is no comparison in the amount of information you get with Backroad GPS Maps. We have countless more roads, trails and recreational points. We also include write ups on thousands of places to fish, hike, ski, camp, ATV, and so on… This is information you will not find with any other GPS map product in Canada. We even provide more topographic detail including contours and better water detail in BC.

3) Why is your product so expensive?

Again, you get what you pay for.  We cover specific regions of Canada with a lot more detail.  Detail that has made us Canada's Source for the Outdoors for over 15 years!  You get more roads, more trails, more recreation points, more routability and the list goes on.  Add in the fact you get both the SD Card to load directly to your GPS and a free download that you can view in MapSource™, BaseCamp™ or similar Garmin based computer program and the value is easy to see.  See above for comparison with TOPO Canada.

4) Why don't the maps look like your screen shots on my GPS unit?

How the maps view on each GPS unit vary dramatically. Some have better colour and graphics, while others do not display all features. Our screen shots are done on Oregon Series.

5) How come not all of the information in my Backroad Mapbook is on the GPS maps?

We are getting there but need your help. Although we have converted the vast majority of trails and recreational points we simply could not do them all. Part of the reason is we do not have accurate locations of all trails (or trailheads), access points and portages, hot springs, etc. Our hope is to get these 'updates' and any other new information from users to continue to grow our databases. We will continue to post updates so that our users have access to all of this new information as we get it.

6) Where do I find the reference section or descriptions on the various recreational activities?

These are found in the Where to or Find option of your GPS.  Select the Extras icon (Custom POI or All POI in some units) followed by Backroad Mapbook.  This will allow you to both view and search a variety of categories such as Fishing, Trails and Recreation Sites on your GPS device.  Please note that, the GPSMap 60, 76, 2**, 3**, 4**, Quest, Streetpilot, Rino, etrex and Colorado series do not support the reference information fully as there is a limit to number of characters they display..

7) Are Backroad GPS Maps Routable?

Yes. In addition to the standard city streets, rural roads and highways we have also made many of the main logging and industrial roads routable. This extra level of routability helps people navigate to the many recreational points we offer. Now you can use your Go feature to find those hidden backcountry campsites, trailheads and even fishing locations. To help us make more routable roads available please send us your tracks for the specific route or trail by going to our updates page.

8) How come I can not navigate to all of the Backroad specific Points of Interest or recreation features?

There are a few possibilities for this.  The first thing you should do is check to see if your unit requires you to recalculate by road when you select Go.  This is common with handheld units and usually rectifies the routing issue.

However, not all Points of Interest will be able to be found properly via roads.  Part of this is due to the fact that no routable roads are close to that location.  In other words, if the location is too far from a routable road, the GPS will draw a straight line from the current position and not the nearest road.

Although we have added higher levels of routable roads (making many logging/industrial roads routable rather than just city and rural roads) the further a field you go, the more likely the point will not be routable via the backroad network.  We continue to optimize these road sets.  Again, be sure to register your product to see if any updates are available.