geocaching 101 presented by the hawaiian chapter of
TRANSCRIPT
Geocaching 101Geocaching 101
Presented by the Hawaiian Chapter of
History of GeocachingHistory of Geocaching
May 2, 2000: Selective Availability (GPS Signal Degradation) was removed via Presidential Statement.
May 3, 2000: Dave Ulmer wanted to test accuracy of his personal GPS receiver by hiding a ‘cache’ in the woods in Beaver Creek, Oregon. After hiding it, he posted the coordinates in an online GPS enthusiasts forum.
May 6, 2000: Two readers used the coordinates and their GPS receivers to find Ulmer’s hidden treasure (5-gallon bucket with books, videos, slingshot, software inside). After they found it, they told others of their experiences.
Within a month, the finder of Ulmer’s cache, Mike Teague, began creating an online listing of coordinates collected from posts on the internet. These
coordinates were posted by others who placed their own caches.
Geocaching TodayGeocaching Today
• 326,875 active caches hidden throughout the world (as of Oct 29, 2006)
• Caches listed in over 200 countries worldwide (including Iraq and Afghanistan - MWR approved!)
• GPSr: $80 +; Accuracy as close to 6ft.
• Travel Bugs, coins, wooden nickels, etc.
Caching in a nutshellCaching in a nutshell
1. Retrieve coordinates to and information about a cache.
2. When you get in the area of the coordinates, use logic, cunning, and clues to discover where the person has hidden the container.
3. Once found, sign the log, trade items if desired, and then replace the cache in the same location and condition (better, if possible). Do not move the cache…
4. Log the cache online at http://www.geocaching.com
Types of CachesTypes of Caches
TraditionalSingle container (micro, small, regular, large) containing a log book and possibly trade items
MultiCache with two or more containers; each container contains coordinates or instructions to the next or final location
Unknown / Mystery / Puzzle
Could be a Traditional or Multi, but you must solve a puzzle(s) to find the coordinates to the physical cache(s)
Event CacheA gathering of geocachers (Meet and Greet, Cache In Trash Out, Mega Event)
Types of Caches (cont’d)Types of Caches (cont’d)
VirtualLocation contains answers to questions posted on cache page; email owner of cache with answers for valid “find”
EarthCacheSpecial caches set up by GSA (Geological Society of America) on their own webpage: http://www.earthcache.org
WebcamLocation of a webcam that must be used to take a picture and posted for “find” credit
Website ScreenshotWebsite Screenshot
Cache Page ScreenshotCache Page Screenshot
Geocaching Terms / AcronymsGeocaching Terms / Acronyms
* Muggle * FTF
* TB * Waypoint
* GPSr * TNLNSL
* TFTC * DNF
* Geocoin * Benchmark
* UPS / UPR * Swag
Benefits of GeocachingBenefits of Geocaching
• Location, Location, Location: Unknown and normally unseen areas, good hiking trails, hidden treasures and spectacular views.
• Exercise: Some caches involve hiking (all levels) and often times climbing of obstacles.
• Attention to Detail: Many caches involve figuring out the owner’s camouflage technique.
• Good times: A challenge is always worth bringing friends, coworkers, and family along (camaraderie, teamwork, espirit de corp, time out of the house / barracks).
What do I need to start?What do I need to start?
• An internet connection to seek out cache information, download waypoints (cache listings), log finds and trackable items, etc.
• A GPSr (Global Positioning System Receiver). NOT REQUIRED - Some people don’t use them to geocache, but they use the description, pictures, and hints given.
• Time and an adventurous spirit.
For More Information…For More Information…• http://www.geocaching.com: The ‘home’ of geocaching.
Registration is free; premium membership is $30 / year; Loads of information: forums, history, store, links, stat tracking.
• http://www.militarycache.org: New and rapidly growing site for Military members, family members, retirees, Veterans, and others; Regional / state Chapters, POC information, forums.
• Best Buy, Amazon, Garmin, Magellan.
• Dan Nightengale - [email protected]
Duke Clements – [email protected]
Questions ??