Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 14 Apr 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maine, USA
Posts: 22
Roman--- the quote you gave was from the Nigerien mister of Tourism, Rhissa ag Boula. The government of Niger has been far more open and direct about dealing with banditry and safety issues in Niger, especially northern and easten Niger. Rhissa ag Boula is from northern Niger and has lots and lots of contacts in the area, as he was the second in command of the Tuareg rebellion (after Mano Dyak). I think Niger will make every effort to assure safety and security of their tourists, as they well understand the impact of terrorism on their already weakened tourism industry. Algeria has a different agenda. I wouldn't expect anything honest from their representatives.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 14 Apr 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,895
"has been far more open and direct about dealing with banditry and safety issues in Niger"

Only because he has to Kevin - op till recently it has been far more dangerous than Algeria.
Tourists and even local agents have been hit every season for tbe last 3 years or more in Niger - and some have got shot first -
Last year we were told it was "Malians or Algerians".

Although tourism is a drop in the ocean - one Algerian agenda is to suppress terrorism surely.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 15 Apr 2003
3ID 3ID is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ft Hood, TX USA
Posts: 7
To all:

I had a response to my post here from a German TV station and thought I would pass on the inquiry and my response. The media coverage will greatly assist the search efforts.

Regards,

3ID

***************:

Thank you for your note. My firm, often performs this type of work. For more details about us please see
our web-site at www.geointel.com

I have worked on several missing person and homicide investigations using remote sensing data. In my post, I refer to commercial satellite imagery from www.spaceimaging.com and www.digitalglobe.com These groups offer very
high resolution digital imagery capable of sub-meter resolution. The data is
very good for feature discrimination because of a broad dynamic range, the
panchromatic data provides 2048 shades of grey. In this manner, the high
contrast allows the user to see objects as small as the lines of a tennis
court, about three inches.

Both of these satellites orbit the earth in a similar manner and cross the
area of interest about 10:30 AM. Typically, you can search the archives and
inquire if a satellite has recently passed over and captured data during the
time-frame you require. If no data is available, the satellite can be tasked
to image exactly where you are interested. The cost is reasonable,
$18.00/square kilometer with a smnall minimum purchase area requirement.

In addition, I worked with an oil and gas exploration group that has some
field personnel in Algeria and contracted with us to provide some
orthorectification of air photos. The photos came from a group in Spain. The
data is several years old now and may not be of to much assistance.

We are experienced with desert pavement classification services using a very
high-end German software product. Please visit www.ecognition.com for more
information about image processing.

Let me know if I can be of assistance. The tools available can greatly
assist your efforts.

Regards,

*****************

----- Original Message -----
From: <******************>
To: <*****************>
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 4:14 AM
Subject: German Television ARD


> Hello,
> I read your note in the internet forum Horizons unlimited. I'm journalist,
> working for german television ARD and try to find out some news about the
> missing travellers in Algerie. You wrote about a contact to a company and
> fotos taken from satellites. I'm very interested in these pictures. Could
> you tell me more about it or give me a contact to this company? Thank you
> very much.
> Best regards
>
> ***********redacted****
>

>


[This message has been edited by 3ID (edited 14 April 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 15 Apr 2003
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
3ID - I work in the Remote Sensing industry in the UK, and I agree with you that there is enormous potential for using satellite imagery (particularly Pan and Pan-Sharpened XS) from QuickBird and Ikonos for clarifying the movements of the groups that are now missing.

It would be a very minor part of the Search and Rescue budget to procure the necessary imagery, since we know the dates the groups entered certain pistes / left town. Identifying vehicle type, and even motorcycles wouldn't be a huge challenge.

Somebody close to the investigation (in Germany or Austria perhaps) should press the authorities into exploring this avenue. I will provisionally offer the services of the Remote Sensing Unit of UCL, although I'm not sure how much we could help (besides sharing the processing requirements for the imagery). I would obviously donate my professional services FOC to such an effort.

I will mention it to the management tomorrow.

[This message has been edited by POB/London (edited 14 April 2003).]
__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 15 Apr 2003
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
Have a look at this image of Saddam International Airport in Baghdad:

http://www.spaceimaging.com/gallery/...addam_aprt.jpg

...and bear in m ind that this is a media-friendly JPG. The full resoulution Pan (black and white) images are of much greater spatial resolution, and are therefore much more interpretable.

Save the image and then zoom in. Considering this is the *degraded* version, you can see the detail. Now consider that with a professional image processing application you can manipulate the imagery to highlight certain items (such as vehicles).
__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 15 Apr 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,895
Kidnapping is definately now a probability with official sources saying contact has been made with the Dutch guy Arjen - with other sources having heard from the Austrians too
Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Chris S
www.sahara-overland.com/news/
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 15 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Chris,

'definately now a probability' - thinking of going into politics??!!

Good news though.

Sam.

Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 16 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 115
hi,

I just read in a portuguese newspaper that a message from the missing peolpe was found in the desert. It said that they were alive!

anyone can confirm this?
lets hope the best!

Renato
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 16 Apr 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,895
I think the paper is jumping the gun as I dont hear it anywhere else.

I would have thought when it happens we will know about it on here - or places like it - in less than an hour

But the latest is 10 nomads are also missing out of Illizi over the weekend (although one has to ask how can you tell with a nomad? ;-)

Ch

Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 16 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 115
strange...

the newspaper is a national one...
I will find who is reponsible for that information.

renato
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 16 Apr 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 23
I saw something similar on CNN yesterday morning (US television edition). It was just a few words at the bottom of the screen and said something to the effect that the phrase "We are alive" was found scrawled on a rock or something in Algeria. The report linked this discovery to the missing travellers.

I tried searching CNN's website, but couldn't find anything further about it.

- Witt
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 16 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: zürich
Posts: 292
hello Witt - you SAW it?
You mean somebody was FILMING the message?
Thanks for more infos when you can find it again!
Ursula
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 17 Apr 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Boulder, CO, USA
Posts: 23
Sorry if I was unclear. "CNN headline news" in the US has a 'ticker' at the bottom of the screen that continuously displays short (ten words) news bites, in text only. The news bite I saw mentioned that such a message had been found written somewhere in the desert. There was no video accompanying the report.

- Witt
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 17 Apr 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
The Austrian Government was reported by the BBC yesterday as saying a message had been found in the desert saying the tourists were "still alive". A link to the latest report on the BBC is below, again mentioning the Austrian Government statement.

Its also contains fairly negative reports from Algierian guides about it being the tourists own fault for not using guides but I'm guessing thats partially because they see a good business interest in getting everybody to start taking guides with them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2953357.stm
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 17 Apr 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 21
Try this one too:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2947573.stm
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 5 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 5 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:25.