BajaNomad

Baja Map Package

LancairDriver - 10-20-2019 at 10:13 PM

Amazon has a National Geographic Map package that looks interesting. Has anyone had any experience with these, and if so do they compare with DK’s which are excellent? The reviews from users don’t look so hot

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=VNHG9WMHURC4&K=2RR3WF...

[Edited on 10-21-2019 by LancairDriver]

advrider - 10-20-2019 at 10:20 PM

I have the set and next to the atlas that you can't get any more they are very good. DK'S maps have more detail on a smaller scale if that makes sense? They are worth having for sure.

bajaric - 10-21-2019 at 05:57 AM

Nat Geo maps are so so. Pretty good detail on watercourses, topography, and dirt tracks. Two major cons: One, no mileage logs between road junctions. Two, instead of lat / long on the edge the map has weird NAD datum expressed as 34 80, 34 70 etc. Still have not figured that out. These two things make the Nat Geo pretty much useless for navigation in the back country.

Also street map of Mexicali border crossing is out of date, but that is true for all current paper maps since they changed the crossing.

BajaMama - 10-21-2019 at 06:13 AM

I keep the set with my other older maps (AAA). Can't have too many maps...

David K - 10-21-2019 at 06:51 AM

The 2008 Nat Geo maps are BIG, large scale (2 maps Norte and Sur) with half the area on one side and the other half on the other side.
That said, they are not very useful for navigation for the reasons 'bajaric' mentioned. They don't have mileages on the roads and they lack a lot of roads that are not on the map but should be. The first printing didn't even have El Mármol on it... it did get added, however!

Now, my maps (thanks for the compliments) do not have mileages either, but that is because they go with the road guide I made. I did add mileages to one just to see how that worked out. I still may to the others... It was just a lot of work to do, and solely for the joy of doing it...

Here is a sample of the 2008 Nat Geo map:





[Edited on 10-21-2019 by David K]

mtgoat666 - 10-21-2019 at 07:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
The 2008 Nat Geo maps are BIG, large scale (2 maps Norte and Sur) with half the area on one side and the other half on the other side.
That said, they are not very useful for navigation for the reasons 'bajaric' mentioned. They don't have mileages on the roads and they lack a lot of roads that are not on the map but should be. The first printing didn't even have El Mármol on it... it did get added, however!
[/URL]

[Edited on 10-21-2019 by David K]


i would think a supposed map guy would know better... :( :O :(

DK, the nat geo maps are "small scale." The baja almanac maps are "large scale." :light:

Small scale maps of baja do not need to show locations like el marmol. Why would you fault a 1:450,000 map for omitting el marmol? :light:

pacificobob - 10-21-2019 at 07:32 AM

i find national gro maps the be printed on top quality paper, but are short on detail.

Goat says this is larger scale than Nat Geo... ?

David K - 10-21-2019 at 07:38 AM

Near the same region... on the Baja Almanac:



I actually think the Nat Geo map looks like a larger scale?

mtgoat666 - 10-21-2019 at 08:17 AM

dk, you claim to be a map guy. but your grasp of terminology is tenuous. you need to go back to maps 101 and learn the difference between "small scale" and "large scale."

Howard - 10-21-2019 at 08:26 AM

Nice way to wake up, read about 2 children arguing about the definition of a Baja map.

Don't either one of you have anything better to do? If not, I feel sorry for your outlook on life.

Love, peace and tacos.

HeyMulegeScott - 10-21-2019 at 09:45 AM

They are worth your $18.33. When you are down in Baja and talking to someone about spots to see it's nice to be able to pull out a paper map. They are Pacifico proof in case you spill a little Cerveza on them.

Mr. Bills - 10-21-2019 at 09:58 AM

It is hard to beat the out-of-print AAA Baja maps. [Thanks again to John M for the 2003/2004 edition.]

Between it, the Baja Almanac, and David K's excellent maps I am confident that I can find my destinations.

caj13 - 10-21-2019 at 09:59 AM

I use them all the time, both for navigation and planning road trips.

The plasticized paper makes em very durable. as for navigation, I have no issues , they work great, but I'm talking about staying on the roads, not rhino runnin adventures.

LancairDriver - 10-21-2019 at 10:52 AM

Thanks for all the perspectives. I think I’ll splurge and order the Nat Geo set for 18 bucks. I also have the last AAA maps but they are getting a bit worn. Look forward to DK’s maps coming out on a ruggedized material.

AKgringo - 10-21-2019 at 11:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by LancairDriver  
Look forward to DK’s maps coming out on a ruggedized material.


And 'embiggened' too!

Marc - 10-21-2019 at 12:20 PM

The best IMHO. Used for many years and now falling apart.

Holy Cow Marc!

John M - 10-21-2019 at 12:35 PM

Put your flak vest on and by for the comments since you didn't clearly identify it as either small scale or large scale in spite of the fact it has Scale 1:1,000,000 on its face.

John M

David K - 10-21-2019 at 03:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
dk, you claim to be a map guy. but your grasp of terminology is tenuous. you need to go back to maps 101 and learn the difference between "small scale" and "large scale."



Where are your maps smart guy?
Where are your contributions to help travelers here?
Where are your photos to brighten the day for those seeking a dose of Baja?

You love to nag nag nag and take from us who do contribute here... but give nearly nothing of value.

The McMahan big wall maps are 1" = 14 miles, AAA maps are 1" = 11 miles, the Nat Geo maps are 1"= 7.1 miles and the Almanac is 1" = 5.5 miles.

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by David K]

advrider - 10-21-2019 at 05:30 PM

I'll take DK'S input all day long compared to Goats..DK, your maps in large or small scale are a huge help to travelers in Baja, I use them often. Your passion for Baja is obvious, not sure what Goats point in being here is?

caj13 - 10-21-2019 at 08:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
Nat Geo maps are so so. Pretty good detail on watercourses, topography, and dirt tracks. Two major cons: One, no mileage logs between road junctions. Two, instead of lat / long on the edge the map has weird NAD datum expressed as 34 80, 34 70 etc. Still have not figured that out. These two things make the Nat Geo pretty much useless for navigation in the back country.
.


Ric, are you referring to the blue numbers? those are UTMs. essentially a grid system covering the whole globe, uses meters, i use that all the time to give me a quick estimate of distances, but then again I used UTMs alot when I was doing habitat mapping and modeling, so I'm familiar with it. a lot simpler than converting degrees minutes and seconds into distances.

Another map I use for quick reference and travel is the Elimaps Baja California 2018 map. has all the gas stops camping places food tourist stops etc. all on one page (N & S one side each). also has one of the mileage tables , also has all the dive places and shops as well. i find it pretty handy, and easy to use

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by caj13]

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by caj13]

Marc - 10-22-2019 at 07:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
dk, you claim to be a map guy. but your grasp of terminology is tenuous. you need to go back to maps 101 and learn the difference between "small scale" and "large scale."



Where are your maps smart guy?
Where are your contributions to help travelers here?
Where are your photos to brighten the day for those seeking a dose of Baja?

You love to nag nag nag and take from us who do contribute here... but give nearly nothing of value.

The McMahan big wall maps are 1" = 14 miles, AAA maps are 1" = 11 miles, the Nat Geo maps are 1"= 7.1 miles and the Almanac is 1" = 5.5 miles.

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by David K]


JJJ's little brother. Most likely he's never been south of TJ. Never a trip report and never an image.

DouglasP - 10-22-2019 at 09:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
Nat Geo maps are so so. Pretty good detail on watercourses, topography, and dirt tracks. Two major cons: One, no mileage logs between road junctions. Two, instead of lat / long on the edge the map has weird NAD datum expressed as 34 80, 34 70 etc. Still have not figured that out. These two things make the Nat Geo pretty much useless for navigation in the back country.
.


Ric, are you referring to the blue numbers? those are UTMs. essentially a grid system covering the whole globe, uses meters, i use that all the time to give me a quick estimate of distances, but then again I used UTMs alot when I was doing habitat mapping and modeling, so I'm familiar with it. a lot simpler than converting degrees minutes and seconds into distances.

Another map I use for quick reference and travel is the Elimaps Baja California 2018 map. has all the gas stops camping places food tourist stops etc. all on one page (N & S one side each). also has one of the mileage tables , also has all the dive places and shops as well. i find it pretty handy, and easy to use

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by caj13]

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by caj13]

Hey caj, where can the Elimaps be sourced?

bajaric - 10-22-2019 at 09:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13  
Quote: Originally posted by bajaric  
Nat Geo maps are so so. Pretty good detail on watercourses, topography, and dirt tracks. Two major cons: One, no mileage logs between road junctions. Two, instead of lat / long on the edge the map has weird NAD datum expressed as 34 80, 34 70 etc. Still have not figured that out. These two things make the Nat Geo pretty much useless for navigation in the back country.
.


Ric, are you referring to the blue numbers? those are UTMs. essentially a grid system covering the whole globe, uses meters, i use that all the time to give me a quick estimate of distances, but then again I used UTMs alot when I was doing habitat mapping and modeling, so I'm familiar with it. a lot simpler than converting degrees minutes and seconds into distances.

Another map I use for quick reference and travel is the Elimaps Baja California 2018 map. has all the gas stops camping places food tourist stops etc. all on one page (N & S one side each). also has one of the mileage tables , also has all the dive places and shops as well. i find it pretty handy, and easy to use

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by caj13]

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by caj13]


UTM's? I just figured out how to convert degrees minutes and seconds to decimal degrees, don't need another learning curve! I have heard that OXXO / Pemex sold a Baja Map but I have yet to get my hands on one, appears that is the Elimaps you mentioned? Not available on line that I can find.
Interesting to see Marcs old copy of International Travel Maps. I have the newer version from the same company, actually not a bad road map, pretty good detail on dirt tracks, lat /long on the side, with mileage logs. The only thing is that the ungraded dirt tracks are in red and so small you almost need a microscope to see them, at least with my eyes.

The Nat Geo map's main strength is that it is easy to read and it has the names of watercourses. So on the example above, you can see Arroyo Cordonices. But Nat Geo does not show the Rancho of the same name, Cordonices, aka San Antonio, so not good detail on small ranchos. For what I do (exploring old mining areas) I need both, so am glad I have the BCA. I wish I had bought 10 BCA's back when they were fifty bucks each. (Like the Nat Geo, the new International Travel map is water proof. It is somewhat cumbersome to unfold these large, slightly slimy feeling plastic maps and I actually prefer the old AAA maps for just getting from point a to point b)
regarding Goat, I don't mind him so much, sort of like Bernie Sanders; a little cranky, a little bit out there, but you have to admire his passion.
edit now I get it the metric grid system. easy to estimate distance by so many meters per grid. Historical footnote, one of the reasons the US never adopted the metric system because land boundaries were established that were not easily changed to metric.

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by bajaric]

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by bajaric]

David K - 10-22-2019 at 02:20 PM

There will be a new map coming, but it may be a year or two away. I can't share any details other than to say don't worry too much as a quality replacement for the Almanac is in the planning stages and I have met with the publishers. No, this is not my doing or my mapping (which is, by admission, amateur). They just know of my passion for maps and desire to have no mistakes on maps of Baja! ;)

mtgoat666 - 10-22-2019 at 09:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Marc  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
dk, you claim to be a map guy. but your grasp of terminology is tenuous. you need to go back to maps 101 and learn the difference between "small scale" and "large scale."



Where are your maps smart guy?
Where are your contributions to help travelers here?
Where are your photos to brighten the day for those seeking a dose of Baja?

You love to nag nag nag and take from us who do contribute here... but give nearly nothing of value.

The McMahan big wall maps are 1" = 14 miles, AAA maps are 1" = 11 miles, the Nat Geo maps are 1"= 7.1 miles and the Almanac is 1" = 5.5 miles.

[Edited on 10-22-2019 by David K]


JJJ's little brother. Most likely he's never been south of TJ. Never a trip report and never an image.


:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P

Bubba - 10-23-2019 at 07:16 AM



JJJ's little brother. Most likely he's never been south of TJ. Never a trip report and never an image. [/rquote]

:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P[/rquote]

Pretty much. We know Jay Salman, aka JJJ has never been South of the border. Same with Chuckles, he hangs out in the Kansas prairies with nothing to substantiate his time in Baja.