From humble beginnings in Queensland to becoming one of Australia’s most trusted names in off-road navigation, the Hema Maps story has always been driven by a desire to help people explore further and travel safely. In this episode of the Off-Grid Downunder Podcast, Hema Maps Chairman Sam Hayward shares how Henry and Margaret Boegheim transformed their love of travel into a mapping legacy - one built through bold ideas, countless kilometres and a genuine understanding of what Australian travellers need.

The conversation travels through the defining moments in Hema Maps’ history, including the ambitious Great Desert Tracks project of the late 1990s and the development of the Hema Map Patrol. Sam explains why Hema continues to send experienced travellers into the field to verify tracks, record points of interest and capture details that cannot always be identified through satellite imagery alone. From fuel availability and remote facilities to road conditions, campsites and worthwhile detours, this field-checked information helps travellers better understand the country ahead of them.

The episode also looks at the continuing evolution of navigation, from printed maps and atlases to offline digital mapping, turn-by-turn guidance and dedicated GPS devices. While the technology has changed, Hema’s purpose remains much the same: helping travellers plan properly, discover more along the way and return home safely. As Sam explains, it is not only about the lines on a map - it is about the places, people and stories surrounding them.