Sahara GPS Routes - Online Database?

[coolkarim]

Just wondering if there is a central 'database' of overland sahara routes (as GPS Points) freely downloadable.

If not maybe I could set one up. there is tons of waypoint info travellers have put up on the web generally (especially Italian) and I have alot.

It would be great to share info like this, but data is all over the place it seems.

My first concern is are they owners intellectual property? (eg from CS's books and CDs I purchased commercially)

Personally I find the waypoints are usefull for


(1)of course actual use on trip for 'guidance' with care. preferably with descriptions

and

(2)I find they make great planning tools when using oziexplorer or TTQV with electronic sahara maps of varying scales. quick comparisons of routes are possible and flicking between different map scales usefull and interesting

Although I have a considerable collection myself, they all come from books and Data CDs purchased. would it wrong to post them? -probably

cheers
Karim

[ppoublan]

I found a great site to share GPS routes, tracks and waypoints. But today, it covers only SouthAfrica. The adress is www.tracks4africa.com.co.za The user interface is realy cool and done to support many different data formats.
It should be great to create something similar for Sahara routes. I'm talking with the webmaster of this site about this idea...

Regarding the copyrights, I think there is no right on GPS waypoints only, but they are not realy useful without the description and comments (which have copyrights). You can use Waypoints found into other guides, as long as you are writing your own comments and description.

Personaly, I'm sharing my routes and tracks on www.voyages4x4.com. Sorry, it's in French, but you can download for free all the routes and tracks (TTQV format).

I also have many other tracks and routes I received from other guys for Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Benin, Togo; and will be happy to share them, if you are creating a shared database. (and also intersted by yours).

Regards
Pascal Poublan
web : http://www.voyages4x4.com



[This message has been edited by ppoublan (edited 07 August 2004).]

[coolkarim]

thanks
I and Hugh Martin are trying to get thoughts together for a sahara only waypoint site. We hope it will be THE central database for sahara routes, with an upload facility for anyone wishing to share data.

cheers
Karim

[ivisonm]

Pascal,

Is it possible to get an email with the additional routes that you have for Morocco (and other countries) that havn't been published on the web site?

[ppoublan]

I publish on my website only the routes and waypoints that have been verified (by me or friends) and with clear comments and descriptions.
I can send by mail other data, but "as is", without any support.
Send me an e-mail with the country or area you are looking for (too much data to put all in one file).
Yours
Pascal
web : http://www.voyages4x4.com


[This message has been edited by ppoublan (edited 07 August 2004).]