Israel
Israel is a small country, divided between nine graticules from (29,34) to (33,35). In order to unite the few Israeli xkcd fans, a different algorithm is used. Instead of the regular graticule system, the entire state of Israel is defined by a polygon so that all Israelis share the same meeting point. In addition, red zones define areas that are deemed too dangerous to access. In order to calculate safe points that fall within the green zone, but outside of the red zones, the new algorithm uses the previous day's exchange rates, as issued by the Bank of Israel.
An implementation of the algorithm can be found here
Israeli Geohashers are encouraged to edit the red zones to help other geohashers avoid IDF fire zones, hostile settlements, etc.
Since Google Maps does not show any map details inside Israel, it is recommended to also work with Walla Maps or Mapa, when both maps are on the 'hybrid' setting, until the geohash point can be positively identified. This step can be finalized by using the website Amud Anan, which has topographical maps of Israel.
A better option might be just looking up the exact coordinates on a map, but where's the fun in that?
Another possibility (and a pretty good one so far, it seems) is using Google Earth - it's pretty convenient with coordinates, unlike Israeli maps, and has more details than Google Maps. But it is still recommended to use it with the other sites mentioned when pinpointing of the spot is needed.
Upcoming Geohashes
- June 7th 2008 - Appears to be, while not inaccessible, pretty much out of the question for anyone who is not a seasoned hiker. A cross-check of the above-mentioned sites resulted in identifying this Saturday's point in a small wadi off the nameless summit 569, near Mitzpe HaMeshar in the Arabah (Paran area). If anyone actually makes it there, take pictures.
- June 8th 2008 - Somewhere west of Amman.
- June 12th 2008 - Once again, not inaccessible but also not very practical; the spot appears to be somewhere along the Nahal Og bike trail, halfway between Mishor Adumim and Almog. Seems like a nice area to hike in, but not very easy as a meetup spot. Other geohash spots today are in the Mishor Adumim industrial zone (for the Jerusalem graticule), and near a dirt road between Beit Rimon and Uzayr (for the Haifa East graticule), which also seem quite impractical. Better luck next time?
- June 13th 2008 - The all-Israel geohash spot is up in Lebanon, so that looks like a no-go... Other geohash spots for today: The Jerusalem graticule's spot is near Nahal Tze'elim, in the Judaean Desert. One again, nice hike, but not much chance of anyone actually getting there. Tel Aviv graticule's spot is in the sea, Haifa East graticule's is outside the Green Line (somewhere near Sebastye), and so is Be'er Sheva's - it's somewhere in the southern part of the Gaza strip, so really it's best to just stay the hell away from there...
- June 19th 2008 - In the fields near Moshav Zimrat, not far from the Gaza Strip but at least within the Green Line this time. Other geohash spots today: Jerusalem's and Haifa's spots are both in Jordan, Tel Aviv's is about 2KM off the Netanya coast (so a beach meet-up might be possible, if people can make it), and Be'er Sheva's is not far north from Be'er Sheva, near Lehavim (which might have been neat if we've known any BGU geohashers, but none have signed up here yet).
- June 27th, 2008 - Appears to be proximate to Moshav HaZor'im, in Bik'at Yavniel, very near to Tiberias.
- July 3rd, 2008 - No good again. Same for the 4th, it seems. :(
- Listen, everyone (is anybody still reading this?) - It seems Israel geohashes aren't working all that great, so far. How about we use the vote mechanism, and decide on a fun place to meet sometime... er, like after the end of this university semester? I'd even be willing to travel to Tel Aviv, if I know there's a real meet-up happening. -- Lady Pennywhistle
- July 28th, 2008 - Apparently, nobody reads this anymore. :( Is Israeli geohashing dead?Anyway, looking at today's spots, the only relevant one appears to be for the Be'er Sheva graticule, and it's somewhere in some fields near Yavne. The Solstice all-Israel algorithm currently gives me an error message, so I can't find the spot there, but I doubt it's more accessible.
Sub-graticules and Participants
Those are the original geohash graticules, plus current users:
- Jerusalem, Israel
- Lady Pennywhistle lives in French Hill, Jerusalem
- Tel-Aviv (Goosh Dan), Israel
- Haifa East, Israel
Any other users: Don't just lurk! Add yourselves to the wiki pages, so we can know who's participating and try to arrange meetups!
