Update on Madigans Trip

Hi

The "unmapped lakes" are clearly visible in Google Earth. Recommend all outback travellers to use GE or similar at least during trip planning at home - lots of little (and big) secrets out there not shown on available maps. Also possible to make your own 'maps" for use in OziExplorer/TwoNav/Trackranger and even small ones for some Garmins/Magellans etc if you are that way inclined (and you won't have internet access I suppose - though also possible to cache images on a laptop for use offline).

Image Could Not Be Found

Cheers
Greg

Hi Robin,

I will certainly do some more checking after that info, and no problem about Track File.

Greg,

If you don't mind me asking what date was the Google Map. It usually shows the date and time of the picture down the bottom. It is just that I heard most of the water was now gone? We have five Vehicles all running Oziexplorer plus a Garmin just set to goto. Thanks for the feedback, would love some more info on a current Google shot.

Cheers Glenn

Hi

I was accessing Google Earth through OziExplorer (via internet map function) - no date given so went into Google Earth itself - not that recent - 23 April 2004 (for right hand side of image I posted, left hand side is not dated ?). Either way I am not sure if the images are showing water or just lake beds..some areas look like water....anyway

I suppose its just a case of knowing the lakes/low lying areas are there and taking that into consideration if it is, will be or has been raining heaps within the watershed (i.e. half of Qld:)

Have fun.

Cheers
Greg

Gday Greg,

Thats why I mentioned the date, most of these outback sat pics are nearly ten years old. All of that you are looking at is dry lake beds.

I agree with you comments earlier about using Google etc for tracking out routes etc, we often do that, but you cant rely on the pics for up to date data.

Yes the collection area's in Queensland are certainly getting some good rains again. We will do some more checking mid March.

Greg,

You mention that GE images may be made into maps suitable for Ozi, etc. Is this now a simple process? Last time I tried, years ago, it proved pretty labour intensive. How I wish we'd had GE on line while out bush on last year's trip- we'd still be exploring! Next best would be to carry the images as maps.

Can you point me to "how to do it" please, or is it obvious in the latest Ozi version?

Cheers

John

OOOps......! Found it here.

Cheers

John

Hi
@ Blaze

Sorry wasnt at any point trying to suggest the GE images were showing the current situation at that location. Even an image taken last week may not show current state of affairs with respect to water..so the fact that the images are over seven years old is, in this case, irrelevant.

Was just pointing out that while currently available maps (e.g. 250K, Hema, Westprint) may not show the presence of all the lakes i.e. they are "unmapped" (dry or otherwise), GE does, so handy tool for planning....and at least you won't be totally surprised like some when you drive over a nearby sandridge :)

Establishing if they are or will be full of water at the time of your trip requires a different path of investigation..

Cheers
Greg

Hello John and Val

Not sure if we are hijacking the thread (dont want to get moderated:)..but quickly...

Yes you can VIEW Google Earth (and other online map sources) via OziExplorer interface and cache data for offline viewing (I think, never done the caching bit for out in bush) by following the instructions on the Ozi webpage..BUT you can not actually make or save a proper Ozi "map" as such. However there are various free and commercial programs that do allow it.

I use MoBAC (Mobile Atlas Creator)...but current version has placed restricitions on use with various online maps (including GE) so you have to use an old version (e.g. beta V 1.9 P14 ) to get a result. There is also a probelm with the calibration which requires a simple tweak to fix. All the information required to get up and going is in the GPS_Australia_forum - search MoBAC. Info is a bit scattered around - so if you get lost but wish to persue PM me.

Cheers
Greg

Hi Blaze,

Hate to mention the "P" word but have you got your permit from CLC.

Enjoy, was a great run last year in August, maybe less spinnafex since the fires.

Cheers John

Gday John, Not having any trouble with permits, I have contacted CLC so far 4 times and keep getting told permits are not needed. So a bit lost at the moment, they are checking again over the next week.

I know of a certain photographer, you may know who said when they crossed in about August they got a permit, so guess we will see.


Cheers

Thans for that.

That will be great the more info the better.

Cheers