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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Budapest
Posts: 40
Mystery map. Where is this from?

I've been searching for a very detailed map of Mauritania. Even in my travels and visits to government offices in Mauritania I have not found a map like this on. Someone uploaded this on a website. I suspect that this is some sort of French military map. If anyone could point me to the source of this map, I'd appreciate it. I'd like to get a copy of it.

http://www.mi4x4.com/ficheros/mapas/mauritania/

Thanks,
A
__________________
http://www.BudapestBamako.org
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Too big for me to download at the moment, but these look like the ubiquitous Russian maps.

As for finding a copy – you already have!

Otherwise ebay or Touratech etc. if you want an 'official' CD. I suspect the original cartographers don't receive a royalty on these expensive CD's, so I'd have no scruples about downloading the thing.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Oct 2006
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
These are French IGN 200,000s - a very nice series from the 1960s and 70s and as good as it gets for the former French Saharan territories (ie, not Libya, etc).

No longer easily available off the shelf as colour paper originals, you can buy them printed off in unsatisfactory black and white from IGN in Paris. However most people would sooner settle for the free digital copies of the colour originals that you have found and print off sections if necessary. Available as a bootleg CD and what you get would add up to a few hundred pounds in paper.

>>>...I suspect the original cartographers don't receive a royalty on these expensive CDs

Actually it was a whole lot of tedious scanning and spot translations done after obtaining a license by the guy at QuoVadis (since bought out and improved by TTech). This explains the price - plus the knowledge that they will eventually be copied anyway. The original cartographers would simply have employees of the former Soviet state.
Soviet era maps at 1:1m are used as faint background maps in Mauritanie au GPS (see: http://www.sahara-overland.com/books/bx-guide.htm)

In the Sahara the more readable IGNs in various scales are unlicensed bootleg copies but IGN does not seem to lose much sleep over it as long as they are not used in print media.

Chris S

More in Sahara maps here:
http://www.sahara-overland.com/maps
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
My mistake! Finally managed to download some of these – and yep they're the IGN's, a good resource.

The price gripe on the TTQV Russian maps comes partly from the fact that they can only be accessed with the TTQV PC software - all in all an expensive and often unecessary package, especially if you just want to print the maps or use them in another navigation package. Worse still if you use a Mac.

Seems a little much to restrict access to a nation's maps in order to flog £120 + PC software. Effectively, to legally print even a single sheet from the Russian Mauri maps means a total payment of £160+ to TTQV.

Not ultimately a good business plan if they want to discourage bootlegging!
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011

Last edited by Richard K; 15 Oct 2006 at 17:19.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Oct 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Budapest
Posts: 40
more on the maps

Hi,

I visited the National Institute of Geography yesterday in Mali. They were selling the same map for 5000CFA (8Euro) a sheet. To this day they still use French colonial area maps. It's mindblowing to me. However they had no electricity in the building yesterday so I couldn't get it printed.

Does anyone have any idea where I could find the Mali sections of the same maps online?


Andrew
__________________
http://www.BudapestBamako.org
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 143
www.Daerr.at sell all of the maps (geo ref'd) on CD. Each country costs around £60-70. These can work on TTQV or Fugawi software. The Fugawi world mapping software cost around £100. I run it all on a laptop linked to a garmin etrex (£90 ish new). Used in the Tunisian desert and it got me out of trouble a couple of times.
Take a look on my website for a couple of screen shots.
__________________
www.4x4-travel.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Exclamation Russian Maps with Oziexplorer

Hi,

I run the Russian maps with OziExplorer. Workes wonderfully !

Regards,

Noel

www.exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Quote:
Originally Posted by noel di pietro
Hi,

I run the Russian maps with OziExplorer. Workes wonderfully !

Regards,

Noel

www.exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Noel, do you mean you've made a Touratech/TTQV/Darr map CD work with Oziexplorer?

If so I'd love to know, I have three Touratech/DArr map CD's full of specially locked .PNG files which can only opened using TTQV software (another £100+ to read maps I already paid for grrr). There is demo software on the CD but it won't let me save or print the files in a different format to use elsewhere.

If you know a way to crack them, or if Ozie can somehow open them directly - please tell, I've tried every piece of graphics software under the sun and those files are locked.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Richard,

I've been told that the old TTQV version - 2.50.8 - 2.50.26, unlike later versions, can apparently export the whole map as a BMP and the calibration file *.cal separately, which can be then converted by OziMapConverter to *.map. The Old TTQV may be included on the maps disk. I've not done this but maybe it's worth trying.

Which TTQV maps are you going to convert?
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 219
TTQV, Fugawi, OzieExplorer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard K
... do you mean you've made a Touratech/TTQV/Darr map CD work with Oziexplorer?

If so I'd love to know, I have three Touratech/DArr map CD's full of specially locked .PNG files which can only opened using TTQV software (another £100+ to read maps I already paid for grrr). There is demo software on the CD but it won't let me save or print the files in a different format to use elsewhere.

If you know a way to crack them, or if Ozie can somehow open them directly - please tell, I've tried every piece of graphics software under the sun and those files are locked...
RichardK:
A while ago, I managed to take a look at (into) a copy of a fugawi CD with it's dedicated and calibrated maps. On these Cd's the maps are named *****.fx3, these *.fx3 files are nothing more than renamed *.PNG files, when you don't have the Fugawi program installed on your computer and you try to open them nothing will happen. You can change these extensions by hand, replace *.fx3 by *.PNG and you can open these files in your favourite photo or navigation program.
When you do not see any extension, you have to change a setting on your computer; view > folder options > view > uncheck -hide file extensions for known file types-.
The maps on these Fugawi-cd's (Mauritania) are infact the same ING maps scanned by Daerr as found on the internet, only some of the names are changed a little (same names the ING gave them).
I never had a change to look at (into) the TTQV maps/cd's but I pressume these are also renamed with a 'special' extension only readable by TTQV (*.PCX5 ?).
I suggest to take a look into these cd's with windows-explorer, browse the folders found, copy one or two huge files (between 5 and 12Mb) and try some different extensions *.jpg, *.png, *.bmp and see what happens.
The only minor drawback is you propably have to calibrate the maps yourself
(*.cal, into *.map).
Succes, keep us posted.

regards
__________________
bart & sophie
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Hi,

Sophie-Bart, thanks for the suggestions. Renaming/copying the files unfortunately has no effect. I work with graphics and use software to deal with obscure file formats - none of it is any use. The map files have the extension .PNY which seems to be a Touratech-specific version of .PNG. Use looks to be restricted to TTQV software, which is something Touratech fail to point out on their website. Bad Touratech.

Roman, there is a demo version of TTQV2.5 on the discs but the option to print the files either physically or digitally as a bitmap is disabled. I'm also hampered by the fact that I don't own a Win PC and am surrounded by MAC users!

I have these CD's:

Marokko 1:250,000 (Maroc map)
Mali 1:200,000 IGN (copy, shared purchase)
Mauritania 1:200,000 IGN

Packed away somewhere, I think I also have the 500k full continent Russian CD, But I'm more interested in the 200k maps, particularly Mali (– these are the IGN's not Russian as I previously thought).

If anyone has 'open' versions of the Mali maps or a copy of TTQV I can borrow to export the maps as image files to print or self-calibrate for MacGPS or Oziexplorer CE – I'd be happy to swap for the 3 CD's.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011

Last edited by Richard K; 28 Oct 2006 at 11:08.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 219
I'm afraid your stuck

Sorry,
I was just suppossing..., I'm afraid I was wrong (and gave some false hopes) or ... (did you ever tried it on a windows PC)

Tried googling and just come up with same answers Roman suggested (in a french-forum) and a post from you Richard on this Hubb, dating a year ago.

regards
__________________
bart & sophie
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Unhappy

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sophie-Bart
Sorry,

Tried googling and just come up with same answers Roman suggested (in a french-forum) and a post from you Richard on this Hubb, dating a year ago.

regards
Yep, returning to an old problem, I'll probably give up in a day or two and end up trying again next year!
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Hi Pete, the system won't let me email you, but I've sent a PM
cheers, Richard
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 31 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Question russian maps in OziExplore!

Hi Richard,

I am surely no computer crack but i just had to copy the maps from the CD in the "MAPS-folder" of OzEx and it worked!? I certainly do not have an official set of TTQV CD's so maybe I have an older unlocked version. I have no idea why it works with me. If you give me your e-mail address I will send some maps from my MAPS folder for you to test.

Regards,

Noel Di Pietro
www.exploreafrica.web-log.nl
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
1VJ Kickstarting Mystery Bernard Yamaha Tech 1 7 Jun 2006 15:24
Case breather and mystery hose JimboC Yamaha Tech 2 4 Dec 2002 16:55

 
 

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 01:09.