Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Jun 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Biker Friendly Accomodation - Goodle Earth / Google Maps

Hi,

Does anyone know some sort of archive of biker-friendly accomodation for a RTW trip? Anything from biker-hotels/campsites to friendly hotel-owners who are happy to put our beloved vehicles in a safe place/inside...

Just a thought:
If such a list doesn't exist yet: What do you think of the idea of starting one and logging places on Google Earth. Since I'm not a great expert on Google Earth & GPS: Does anyone know an easy-to-use way of maintaining a Google Earth database? I mean - is it possible to have our own "Google Maps Group" of interesting places/safe accomodation/friendly & thorough mechanics/...

Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jun 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Already done?

Hi Bjorn, there are already two forums for that on the HUBB. Have a look and see if they are what you have in mind.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...on-rest-world/
and
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...north-america/

The Google Maps thing sounds good, I'm looking forward to hearing from someone who nows about such things.

Regards
Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Norn' Iron'
Posts: 90
I like it

I like the idea for this. If this has not already been done elsewhere and enough people are interested I could maybe pitch in and do something about it. I'm a computer programmer during the day although pretty busy tiling a bathroom at the minute

So what say you - a google earth database with points of interest, accomodation, workshops and maybe members?

Neil
__________________
Belfast to Kathmandu on a Diesel motorbike 2010/11 www.suckindiesel.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Sounds a great idea Neil!
Are there any tools from Google to make this easier to set up?

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazymanneil View Post
I like the idea for this. If this has not already been done elsewhere and enough people are interested I could maybe pitch in and do something about it. I'm a computer programmer during the day although pretty busy tiling a bathroom at the minute

So what say you - a google earth database with points of interest, accomodation, workshops and maybe members?

Neil
Neil,
Tiling always gets in the way of riding!!

Anyway, I have taken a look at google earth and it seems to be a powerful tool for this sort of project - my problem was that I found it a bit complicated to understand how to use it and I think this was because I did not have anything definite in mind to either get from it or put into it at the time.
I think the concept is correct; as said elsewhere, there are plans to develop GPS databases and probably other things within the HUBB but some existing bit of software, such as google earth, that is provided free anyway would take some of the effort out of it I would have thought; however, as the computer programmer, you may know another way of doing these type of things.
Another aspect that strikes me about the concept is who moderates what goes into there? - as I understand google earth, once the database goes public then anyone can modify it etc. Therefore the information in there is not necessarily accurate or even given by someone with "honest aims"; perhaps it is possible to have a secure area in GE with password protected access or maybe the GE database for HU can be accessed only via HU?
Over to you for more information!!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Norn' Iron'
Posts: 90
Guys,

The key here is KML files -

Keyhole Markup Language - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

These are basically files with the GPS co-ordinates plus some other info in them which are then loaded into google earth (or google maps ). Our KML file would need to be stored and updated somewhere centrally (i.e. the HU website presumably). Managing what goes on there, deletion of outdated stuff etc could then be handled by appointed administrators.

I'm interested you mention the desire to create GPS databases - any pointers what others are planning? A really sweet solution would be to have a webpage which allows people to put in points of interest which are then stored in a database. Then a piece of code could turn this database into a KML file automagically, meaning management of placemarks can all be done in the database.

I think something like this could be superb when planning routes when a map helps you visualise stuff. I'm just pondering how this could be linked into geotagged photos, GPS tracks and all too now

Neil
__________________
Belfast to Kathmandu on a Diesel motorbike 2010/11 www.suckindiesel.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazymanneil View Post
Guys,

The key here is KML files -

Keyhole Markup Language - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

These are basically files with the GPS co-ordinates plus some other info in them which are then loaded into google earth (or google maps ). Our KML file would need to be stored and updated somewhere centrally (i.e. the HU website presumably). Managing what goes on there, deletion of outdated stuff etc could then be handled by appointed administrators.

I'm interested you mention the desire to create GPS databases - any pointers what others are planning? A really sweet solution would be to have a webpage which allows people to put in points of interest which are then stored in a database. Then a piece of code could turn this database into a KML file automagically, meaning management of placemarks can all be done in the database.

I think something like this could be superb when planning routes when a map helps you visualise stuff. I'm just pondering how this could be linked into geotagged photos, GPS tracks and all too now

Neil

Neil,
Sounds good!


This is what I was referring to:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...lication-28328

(a thread which is talking about putting together a GPS database)

Cheers,
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Norn' Iron'
Posts: 90
Ta, I've posted to that thread now too. Best to have it all in one place and one consistent database that everyone uses probably.

Neil
__________________
Belfast to Kathmandu on a Diesel motorbike 2010/11 www.suckindiesel.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Posts: 54
I don't think you need to fuss with KML, requiring people to download Google Earth, etc, it can be easily done on Frappr. ADVRider has been doing this:
The Tent Space List ... - ADVrider
__________________
Ted, DL650, wanderer.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What on Google Earth is that? Bernard Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 15 4 Oct 2006 15:28
Distances with Google Earth irlsanders Route Planning 2 28 Aug 2006 11:50
google earth is good for navigating in desert fons North Africa 11 31 Jul 2006 00:16
google earth GottaGo Route Planning 5 21 Apr 2006 03:17
Google Earth Desert Rat Route Planning 2 14 Jul 2005 11:23

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 10:39.