Geocaching
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This document provides an overview of geocaching and how GPS technology enables the treasure hunting game. It explains that geocaching began in 2000 when the first cache was hidden using GPS coordinates. It then defines key geocaching terms and outlines the basic elements of locating and interacting with caches, which typically involve using a GPS receiver to find hidden containers. The document also provides guidance on geocaching etiquette and considerations for hiding one's own cache.
Geocaching
- 1. TREASURE HUNTING AND TECHNOLOGY KATHI HOYT Billings, MT hoytk@billingsschools.org
- 2. Geocache • Geocache literally means “something hidden on earth”. • Greek geo = earth • French cache = to hide • Geocaching is a where technology meets adventure.
- 3. What’s It All About?
- 4. The Beginning Uses a GPS system originally designed for the military, created in the early 1970’s, declassified in 1983, and made available to everyone in 2000. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and refers to a system of 24 satellites that orbit Earth and send signals to receivers.
- 5. The first geocache was hidden on May 3, 2000 when Dave Ulmer hid a cache in the woods near Beaver Creek, Oregon. He shared the coordinates online and the hunt began. There are currently 2,107,846 active geocaches and over 5 million geocachers worldwide.
- 6. Geo-Lingo BYOP – Bring your own pencil/pen. Cache – Short for geocache. A hidden container that contains a logbook. CITO – Cache in Trash Out. An environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community.
- 7. DNF – Did Not Find. Acronym used in logs. D/T – Difficulty/Terrain. Difficulty relates to how hard it is to find and terrain refers to the physical environment. FTF – First To Find. GPSr – Global Positioning System receiver. Muggle – A non-geocacher.
- 8. ROT-13 – The encyyption method utilized on Geocaching.com. SWAG – Stuff We all Get. Trade items left in caches by geocachers. TNLN – Took Nothing, Left Nothing. Logbook terminology. TNLNSL – Took Nothing, Left Nothing, Signed Logbook. TNSL – Took Nothing, Signed Logbook.
- 9. Last But Not Least…. Waypoint – A refernce point for a physical location on Earth. Waypoints are defined by a set of coordinates including longitude and latitude. Every geocache listed on Geocaching.com is a waypoint.
- 10. CACHE Typically, a cache is some sort of container that holds the treasure you seek. A cache is categorized in three essential ways….. 1. Size 2. Type 3. Difficulty
- 11. Size Four size classifications….. Micro – Size of a film canister. Small – Size of a sandwich container. Regular – About the size of a shoebox. Large – Quite big – holds over 5 gallons.
- 12. Types Traditional – Most common and can be any size. Multi-Cache – A set of related caches. The first contains hints for finding the second and so on. Puzzle Cache – Requires players to solve puzzles to find the cache itself.
- 13. Additional Types EarthCache – Not a physical object but an educational lesson about the features of Earth. VirtualCache/Webcam Cache – Not a physical object but a location on Earth. Players need to answer questions about the cache location or provide a picture taken at the site.
- 14. Difficulty Refers to how difficult it will be to find the cache and is trated in two categories..D /T (Difficulty and Terrain) Both are rated using a five-point scale with one star being the easiest and 5 stars the most difficult.
- 15. D - Difficulty Factors that may affect the level of difficulty include the extent to which the cache is camouflaged and if special equipment is required. Make sure to read the information provided before heading out.
- 16. T - Terrain Things that might increase the level of difficulty getting to the cache include the physical terrain you need to cross, the length of the walk (or hike) and if special equipment is needed to access the area. (Think four – wheeled drive)
- 17. Typical Cache Basic Elements: Container (Watertight) Logbook (Must Have) SWAG (Take one, Leave One) Trackable Items
- 18. Examples
- 19. Let’s Get Started Go to www.geocaching.com
- 20. Now What Click on Play – then Hide and Seek. Enter the zip code, city or state where you want to hunt. Note level of difficulty, type of cache, and when it was last found. Download or manually enter the “waypoint” You may want to have hints & info with you.
- 21. Go find the cache Follow the GPS coordinates Look around If you are having trouble, look and see if there are clues or hints. You might read the logs of others for help also.
- 22. Eureka – You Found It Open the container and sign the log. SWAG If the webpage asked you to do something special, please do that. Close the cache tightly and PUT IT BACK EXACTLY AS YOU FOUND IT! Log your visit on the site, even if you didn’t find it.
- 23. GPS Basics Know your GPS receiver or become familiar with your app.
- 24. Some Basics
- 25. Stash a Cache Be sure to get permission from the land owner or manager. Know the rules about geocaching in that particular area. Be sure the cache will not disrupt the wildlife or hurt the geography in the area. Enter the cache on the website. Be sure to be as accurate as possible. Use your GPS.
- 26. No – No’s Food Items. Knives, razors, sharp objects, or weapons. Matches, fireworks, lighters, live ammo. Drugs, alcohol, pornography, or illicit material Solicitations
- 27. How to….. Select and camouflage your container. Select an appropriate location to stash your cache. Entice other players to hunt for your cache by providing clever hints and GPS coordinates. CREATE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
- 28. Consider Location Not close to active railroad tracks. Not on a military installation. Avoid highway bridges, dams, government buildings, or airports. Do not bury a cache. Make sure you have permission.
- 29. Similar Sites Letterboxing – game with stamps Bookcrossing – lending library GPS Games – variety of games using a GPS receiver Whereigo – gaming platform
- 30. Geocaching Sites Geocaching.com Navicache.com Geocacher’s Creed Geocacher University Geocaching With Kids
- 31. Citations Geocaching.com Staff. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Geocaching” Penguin, 2012. Lo, Burt. “GPS and Geocaching in Education” ISTE, 2010. Personal expertise of: Tony Riehl, Billings, Montana Susan Cornett, Newark, Delaware
- 36. Personal Information hoytkmt - YouTube channel name http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeTFjFqTDbFzr6B qbbeAung/videos?view=1&feature=guide hoytk@billingsschools.org Kathi Hoyt Castle Rock Middle School Billings, MT