Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree163Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Jun 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Asia Waypoints

I am collating GPS waypoints for Northern Asia (Primarily Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia) .... making them available to adventure travellers in the form of a Garmin GDB file.

The file is primarily for essential information such as valid international border crossings, useful embassies and consulates, fuel availability and conveniences such as places to eat in the middle of a remote area, or hotels, so anyone arriving in a storm or late at night can go straight to convenient recommended accommodation. There is also other useful information such as the waypoints for spectacular photograph locations and campsites in areas otherwise hard to find campsites.

If anyone has a bunch of waypoints (primarily fuel, accommodation or useful food reference points) I would be grateful to receive them at wcolebatch (att) gmail (ddot) com.

I will maintain this post by updating it with the latest version of the files so that the file below is always the most recent.

Note, older generation GPS units (or Zumos / Nuvis) can only take 500 or 1000 waypoints (new ones such as the Montanas are capable of 2000 and over). The file now contains over 2000 waypts. That means the waypoints may (if you have an older GPS) need to edited by each user to delete the waypoints not required for their specific journey. This is easily done graphically highlighting areas of waypoints in a basecamp or mapsource map, then hitting the delete button.

Another way to deal with the volume of waypoints is to take them all with you on a laptop, and transfer different sections to your GPS unit as you need them, as your trip progresses.

I have myself trimmed a lot of waypoints out. Things like camping locations in Mongolia have been deleted .... because anywhere in Mongolia is a great camping location. Similarly, fuel stations along major highways ... I have deleted a lot of them ... there is no need to show 8 fuel stations within a 100 km (60 mile) stretch ... one or two is sufficient to show that fuel range is not critical on certain sections.

Use these in conjunction with the file of the Border Zones and Closed Zones thread for more risk free planning.

For anyone who wants to download the Latest Full Version (as of 14.Sep.2021) of the waypoints, here they are:
Attached Files
File Type: gpx WaypointsHUBB.gpx (1.12 MB, 302 views)

Last edited by colebatch; 24 Sep 2021 at 08:27.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jun 2010
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
I know, I will be forever grateful, when my time comes in 2012 and I can draw on that resource. Thanx for your effort of collecting and putting it up .

I've been following your RR's with great interest over at ADV
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"

Last edited by T.REX63; 16 Jun 2010 at 12:42.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jun 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
I make this thread a "sticky" as it should be an ongoing topic.
So everyone, send in those waypoints of cafes with the prettiest waitresses!!
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jun 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Thanks Chris ... no takers yet.

But plenty of people go that way ... around half with a GPS ... most of them with a Garmin GPS.

I have given out waypoint collections about a dozen times in recent months ... but there are plenty of roads and thousands of restaurants and hotels and fuel depots I havent been to in Northern Asia ... its time to make a big file with them all on

PS, if the waitresses are pretty can we put a note on the waypoint

Last edited by colebatch; 10 Oct 2013 at 10:55.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 88
Walter, I will make sure to get you the waypoints I have been collecting and I will try to make an effort of collecting more as I go along. Any desires on how to make your life easier in collating all of this information in terms of naming conventions, comments, categories or whatever?

KP
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Jun 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by khpostma View Post
Walter, I will make sure to get you the waypoints I have been collecting and I will try to make an effort of collecting more as I go along. Any desires on how to make your life easier in collating all of this information in terms of naming conventions, comments, categories or whatever?

KP
Excellent question.

I dont think you need to go into too much detail.

The main categories I have on my waypoints so far are:

Fuel
Accommodation
Cafes
General Stores
Bike shops / service / repair places
Water Crossings
Places where the road is closed, impassible or needs special permission to venture beyond
I also have a category for photo opportunities, but use this one sparingly ... its for things like the giant genghis khan on a horse statue out in the mongolian wilderness and things like that that it would be useful for people to navigate t,o rather than for every place its worth taking a foto of.

I think if anything is particularly good value or good food, or to be avoided at all costs, or you have contact phone numbers, then that can go in comments. but my waypoints on have comments on exceptional items, rather than comments on every waypoint.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Jun 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 88
Sorry to see this surprsing lack of response. Don't understand it. I hope it is because people are on the road, but even then a short message to this thread would be encouraging. . As you know I am collecting a pile of local waypoints in Urgench Uzbekistan. If anybody needs to know where every car parts place / electrician / post office / customs office / internet cafe / airport etc is in thisw town I have got them. Kidding aside, as soon as I get things sorted out I will go over the tracks. Not nearly as many as I had hoped for.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Jun 2010
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
This is a great idea, Colebatch!

This trip across the Stans, for me, is planned for 2011 but I'm sure it'll be a huge help to me.


Thanks with one year in advance!



Nick
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Jul 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Huntsville, AL USA
Posts: 117
its a great idea, thanks so much for putting it together.
Im sure I will want it for my next trip across russia.
I have crossed it twice, the 1st w/o gps, last year I borrowed a gps from a friend in moscow, as my gps doesnt do cyrillic.
So I unfortunately have nothing to share

Im heading to georgia/armenia/azerbijan soon, you interested in anything from that area?

I'm a gps idiot tho, & will have to figure out how to save waypoints
hahahaha

Doug
__________________
www.motosapiens.org

My Motorcycle Hotel/Cafe in Bulgaria

Last edited by rtwdoug; 5 Jul 2010 at 10:09.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2010
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Posts: 86
Hi Walter -

a while ago I posted some way points through Russia -

you can get Google Earth files here

Index of /~earmb/Google_Earth_Files

and garmin files here.

Index of /~earmb/Garmin_Files

To translate between formats I suggest you try gpsbabel it's a great bit of software for gps translation.

The files contain our tracks, way points, fuel stops and some other bits.

Nice one!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Jul 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Thanks Doug

For the 3rd party waypoints you sent thru. Am amalgamating them into my system ... but looking good. It covers a route thru Mongolia that I hadnt covered.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Jul 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Thanks Mr Bart ... I have taken most of those waypoints you donated.

Am now up to well over 1000 waypoints ... including 350 fuel stations and a similar amount of cafes and hotels / camping spots .. and thats just from my waypoints plus Doug's and Mark Bart's.

As soon as I can work out how to host this now, I will put a link up.

I can tell you its looking like it can become the ultimate guide book free resource ... very comprehensive.

Am hoping after this year there will be a lot more coming in, but anyone who has waypoints at home of Eurasia, please send them in.

wcolebatch@gmail.com

CHeers
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Jul 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by rtwdoug View Post

Im heading to georgia/armenia/azerbijan soon, you interested in anything from that area?

I'm a gps idiot tho, & will have to figure out how to save waypoints
hahahaha

Doug
Yes Doug ... got me the TransCaucasian countries too please mate

And learn how to save waypoints before you go
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Dalian
Posts: 67
hi Colebatch - sounds liek you know a lot about Russia- can I ask if I can get those poinst too? am planning east to west to UlaanB and back- many thanks
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Sep 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
sure you can have them ... Just PM me your email and I can email to you.

When I get back to UK I will try harder to find a way to store the file online. Then clicking on a link should deliver the latest file and maybe the latest OSM maps too
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
The Great Game Expedition - Overland Across Central Asia 2013 BigO 4 Wheels Travel Reports 7 22 Feb 2014 21:57
El viaje de los sueños: Asia...Sea como Sea/The Dreams Trip: Asia... Sea to Sea the dreams trip West and South Asia 2 24 Oct 2013 04:01
Sudeste de Asia, Información./Southeast Asia, Tour. the dreams trip West and South Asia 0 7 Oct 2013 02:12
South East Asia on Motorbikes M_A_X Ride Tales 8 23 May 2013 05:40
Suggest me where to go after S.America! Africa? or Asia country? wkheathjr Route Planning 1 24 Feb 2013 23:18

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 18:11.