Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
Best maps for around the world Best maps for around the world
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Jul 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: New York, New York
Posts: 6
Best maps for around the world
Hello All,
new to the forum. I am planning a round the world trip starting in England, But i will take several years to complete this trip. I spend 3 months just touring all of Europe, and eventually end up in Turkey, from there I will either travel to the stans and mongolia, or ship my bike somewhere to india, eventually my Half way point will be spent in Hong Kong, where I will work for a year. and then start Japan, australia, new zealand, Hawaii, alaska to tip of SA.

My question, can anyone recommend a great map for the entire world with great details in roads, for at least all of europe. that is sort of compact. I am also looking for a large fold out map lamenated, so I can draw a route through the countries, with some details ( to get the big picture of what I am doing).
Tried barnes and nobles, and rand mcnally doesnt have stores like they used too. I live in NYC right now.

Thanks in advance,

PS. I do own a garmin zumo with all the maps

cheers,
al
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jul 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
If you can find this kind of all-world atlas, which I doubt, it would be as big as a phone book. i think you're much better off getting country or at least region-specific maps and either chucking them or shipping them home when you're finished. also, many of the maps you'll need you'll be able to find along the road, so why carry them all from day one?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jul 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
I got one of the widely available wall maps of the world and just cut out the section I needed (UK to China), then rolled it up and kept it in my jacket pocket. This worked amazingly well, if you don't know where you are going then just stop, whip the map out and ask someone by pointing to the country you are in, pointing to ground, then point to the country you are trying to get to and shrugging your shoulders in a questioning manner. This will always get you to the next country, will mean that you see a lot of stuff you may not have found if you had taken a more direct route (is this an advantage?) and generate a lot of amusement for the people you ask. GPS or another 2000 miles of petrol?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jul 2008
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
the best maps for each country, are, perhaps not surprisingly, almost always available in the country in question.

Go there, then buy local maps
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Sep 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Not sure!!
Posts: 39
Maps
I travel often to other countries and buy most of my maps and atlas's from "Maps 2 Anywhere". I am also planning an ATW trip and have been purchasing maps from them. Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 36
Take a look at Reise-know-how maps (Landkarten für die ganze Welt vom Reise Know-How Verlag online) I personally only know the Morocco map and find it quite good. They have almost all countries in the world and I personally like having the same brand maps so you can get used to the layout.

regarding

Henk Jan
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Nov 2008
Tiffany's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lands End, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 675
Smile
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
the best maps for each country, are, perhaps not surprisingly, almost always available in the country in question.

Go there, then buy local maps
I hate to disagree but in many of the world's developing nations it is virtually impossible to get maps of their countries.
For example in Ethiopia, I had lent my map to another traveller for a couple of days (he was desperate to study it), well his jacket got stolen with my map in it. We then spent several days in Addis Ababa trying to get another map - with no success- even the Irish embassy were trying to help and did not succeed.
In the end I walked into the UN Africa HQ, spoke very nicely and finally tracked down a Michelin map- just the one mind you in the whole building- on the wall of the head guy's office. Having explained our predicament, he kindly allowed us to get some copies made of the appropriate sections and then returned it to his wall.

So do not rely on getting maps in the countries you go to unless you know in advance they have maps available.
On a very long trip get them sent out via postal system to places you are going to if unable to carry them. Also whilst on the road I have often passed on maps to other travellers who were heading to places I had just passed through.
__________________
Tiffany
On the road from...I'm not sure any more
http://www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAUhV1r-kUo
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 425
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
the best maps for each country, are, perhaps not surprisingly, almost always available in the country in question.

Go there, then buy local maps
^Shockingly terrible advice. You will not be able to find good maps readily available in third world countries.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
Stanfords in London seems to have an excellent supply of maps and guidebooks. I was able to find everything I think I'll need for Australia-SE Asia-China-Tibet-Mongolia-Russia-Germany.
Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffany View Post
On a very long trip get them sent out via postal system to places you are going to if unable to carry them.
Photograph them with your camera .. That way you have a copy - you can even email them to yourself just in case ..

Note this technically brakes copywrite .. but if you have the original I see little harm. Just don't go spreading the digital copy around!
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Warner View Post
Photograph them with your camera .. That way you have a copy - you can even email them to yourself just in case ..

Note this technically brakes copywrite .. but if you have the original I see little harm. Just don't go spreading the digital copy around!
Frank, you can easily find some shops which will scan them and print to desired size and paper. Covering them both sides with pp will make rain/waterproof. If can't find a place go for an outdoor advertising / Sign shop. They do it (especially if you know someone there).
I do it that way...
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
[QUOTE=Samy;214183]Frank, you can easily find some shops which will scan them and print /QUOTE]

The idea is to take 'sapers' with you .. on a memory card - saves space, weight. Anbd then if you loose, destroy teh map you can get another one fairly easily .. or even if you cannot get to a print shop you can at lest view it on your camera.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Nov 2008
Hindu1936's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
Might do what I did if you haven't already left. Go the the library with your handheld scanner and laptop. Scan the maps, give them a name and save. Make a back up copy on a 4.7gb disk and another to a memory card that will work in whatever GPS you have. This is just in case my Garmin goes tits up and I can't use the blastedly expensive maps for it. Old Woman and I don't intend to do any off roading, and mostly we are just going to wander where the will takes us and getting lost is no problem. The exceptions will be if we need to be somewhere (like a ferry departure) at a particular time. There are places in Africa where we have promised to be within a two week window, but if we don't make it, they won't lose any money by our late arrival.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 23 Nov 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World would be my advice to buy, not for on the road, therfore it is to big, but for planning a trip it is fantastic! The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World New Twelfth edition
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 24 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hindu1936 View Post
Go the the library with your handheld scanner and laptop. Scan the maps, give them a name and save. Make a back up copy on a 4.7gb disk and another to a memory card that will work in whatever GPS you have.

Most GPSes will not use scanned maps. They are in a raster format, most GPSes use vector format .. and you won't find an easy way of converting them.

A scanned map (in the right format - jpeg etc) should be viewable on your digital camera .. so why not save a step and just photograph the map with the camera?
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Around the World kastad 4 wheel Overland Travel 18 20 Nov 2008 19:07
Maps - Is it possible to get good maps on the road? Iain SOUTH AMERICA 3 3 Nov 2005 21:24
World maps Carrera12003 Route Planning 1 23 Jul 2005 05:19
Old maps, silk maps and DESERT CAMPING! Chris Scott North Africa 1 11 Dec 2004 01:38
World Touring Network - Japan Camp Meeting World Touring Ne Chris of Japan Motorcycle Events around the world 0 22 Oct 2004 14:41

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 08:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top