To help answer some questions this thread has posed for me, I have downloaded Talkytoaster maps (latest routable OSTT) and used them side by side with Velomap in order to make a comparison. Both products do exactly what they specifically promise and are excellent value compared to commercial products. I believe (and practice) that donations should always be made to suppliers of such open source solutions, they put in a lot of work.
So what were my (emphasis on my, others might well disagree) findings? First Velomap;
There are 2 versions, one optimised for GPS and the other for Basecamp/Mapsource. You can just download one version and use it in both applications.I have only used the map optimised for GPS and have found that it is more than adequate on my PC. The maps are based on Open Cycle Map. The instructions are clear and whilst not 'idiot proof' it was very easy to install the maps on both PC and GPS. Appearance and detail are good, not up to OS map standards but all useful detail is there including contours if required. There are also cycle specific POIs such as cycle shops, parking, hire points etc. Alkl national cycle routes are highlighted (see bottom left of image). The map is designed for cycling only and therefore auto routing is only suitable for cycling. In my test, I asked for a route between two points and as you can see from the above image, the route uses a bridleway to avoid the A69 trunk road. Interestingly, this is a tarmacadam bridleway and I have never been routed onto an unsuitable surface. Velomap do offer a MTB specific map for this type of route. Auto routing works well in Basecamp and on my Etrex 20, again I must stress, cycle specific routing only.
Talkytoaster;
These maps are based Open Source Maps and have data added by the compiler from other sources. Again there are 2 versions optimised for PC and GPS. It appears that both sets must be downloaded although I suspect that it would be possible to use just one set for both purposes. I have downloaded and used the set optimised for Basecamp. The instructions were OK but more detail could be given on installing the Mapsource/Basecamp version. There is a scary warning of doom if you get it wrong. Fair enough, non commercial applications like this are not for the faint hearted. For those less PC savvy there is the option of buying the maps pre installed on a memory card. This is a great way of doing it but leaves you with out the option of using the maps in Basecamp.
The maps have a similar appearance to Velomap which was a slight disappointment as I was expecting a similar appearance to OS maps. They have a cleaner and better detailed appearance than Velomaps though this is probably because I am using the GPS version of Velomaps in Basecamp. There are plenty of POIs perhaps more than Velomap but not as cycle specific. You will find your local MacDonalds for example but not your local cycle shop.
Routing is very different to Velomap. It is not cycle specific, even with Bicycling selected in Basecamp. In the above image, I have selected exactly the same A and B points as in Velomap and with exactly the same settings in Basecamp. As you will see, the route is along the very busy A69 trunk road, a high speed dual carriageway which I avoid when possible. It has ignored the adjacent bridleway completely. Talkytoaster do say that these latest maps will route along such byways, so this could be an anomaly.
Conclusion; As I said at the beginning, both mapsets are excellent. Any holes in accuracy are being filled all the time. They are not OS maps and never will be and I take issue with that description being used! They do however have auto routing which works well. Any GPS with these installed will find your route. In my opinion, only Velomaps are suitable for cycle specific routing but that also makes them inflexible! My solution is to have both maps installed in Basecamp and Velomaps on my GPS. If I need a non specific route I can then plan it on Talkytoasters maps and upload it to the GPS. ON the other hand, if I find my self in a strange town with my cycle and GPS (happens a lot
) I can just enter a destination on the GPS and follow a cycle specific route.
I hope that this comparison will clear some of the confusion surrounding what specific maps and routing options will achieve.
Edit, OS map added for comparison;
its a lot less hassle ..