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Which GPS maps to use? Which GPS maps to use?
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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #1  
Old 6 Dec 2007
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Which GPS maps to use?
It seems there are a lot of GPS maps, routes and waypoints out there for Morocco - in the 'GPS Koordinates' thread I think 3 sets of GPS maps were offered.

Do all of these have same tracks on I have just downloaded the island olaf maps (maroc topo) maps I think Tim Cilluns and Mark LG recommend, are these maps fairly comprehensive? or should they be combined with other peoples maps for a more accurate picture?

Ian
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  #2  
Old 6 Dec 2007
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Ian

Now you've got your mapsource up and running then take a look at these websites for route suggestions:

maroc 2004/section/De Anoual Ã* Erfoud

Voyages 4x4

There's an excellent utility called GpSBabel (use google to find it) to convert the various formats into standard gpx files you can use with mapsource.

You'll find that most of these routes, and the ones in Sahara Overland, are already represented as tracks on the Maroc maps. It's still worth transfering some of the points into your GPS though, as it's easier to navigate to a waypoint than to follow a track on the screen, especially on open ground where the tracks on the ground are a bit vague. You don't want to be straining to see a tiny track on your screen when your travelling at 60mph on dirt - it's easier to use the compass screen and waypoints.
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Old 6 Dec 2007
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Voyages 4x4 is a great resource for free waypoint collections and I have validated some of their routes.

The most authorative source for piste waypoints in Morocco is the collection of Gandini guides--I have four of the six volumes (which cost more than £20 each) and have used them to find all sorts of interesting places. It used to be possible to purchase the tracks in GPS format, though I can't find the option on the web site now.

AFAIK, Marok Topo is the best of the downloadable maps, free of otherwise. A new version is likely to be out before Christmas with many previously undefined roads and tracks added. On my last trip to Morocco I went out of my way to travel (and track) undocumented areas and sent Olaf more than 2000km of new stuff. I know others have been doing the same (I met one of them on the last trip). Olaf has offered to cut a new version before my departure at the end of December and I will be using the new version to repeat the exercise of documenting new areas.

Tim
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Old 6 Dec 2007
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Hi
Gandini guides are originaly in french, are they translated in english ?

Eric
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http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201472
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  #5  
Old 6 Dec 2007
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No, but as schoolchildren, we English all learnt French for several years. ROTFLMAO

I find I can understand 85% of the navigation stuff (15% gives some adventure), and can follow much of his historical narratives.

I share his interest in rock paintings/engravings, but don't really follow his extreme interest in antennas--something to do with pre-Islamic burials?

One side trip I was particularly indebted to Jacques Gandini for, was the Stairway to Heaven: Morocco: Stairway to Heaven and other innovative desert structures - ADVrider

Tim
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Old 7 Dec 2007
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Sorry but what this means "ROTFLMAO"
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Old 7 Dec 2007
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ROTFLMAO = rolling over the floor laughing my ass off

The point being that despite several years of french lessons at school, the average English person wouldn't even try to read a french language book.
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Old 7 Dec 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
ROTFLMAO = rolling over the floor laughing my ass off

The point being that despite several years of french lessons at school, the average English person wouldn't even try to read a french language book.
You know this is the same for us froggies.
I speak ( like a mad cow ) read and write english since three years, because of my job I was obliged ( I'm 44 ).
I guess, it must be a pity for you to hear so many guys saying they are speaking english, and in fact they speak like stupid donkey ( like me ).
Eric
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Old 21 Dec 2007
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Better than nothing, or sharades ... most Australian school kids get little other language training at school. Maybe a year..

If you can make yourself understood it is a tremendous help. Don't worry about getting it absolutely correct .. most people will be able to understand you. Except in America where people seem to only understand American .. anything pronounced another way or slightly different in the grammer they don't understand .. too little exposure to other cultures.
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  #10  
Old 21 Dec 2007
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Hello Ian,

much more routes in GPX-Format You will find here:

www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - Routensammlungen auf CD

and if You are member there, You can get also maps in ECW-format for Morocco, Mauretania, Tunisia ....



Have a look

Best regards

Ulrich
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