1. Geocaching
The Digital Treasure Hunt
By Cheryl LeJune and Carol Edwards
1

2. What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure
real-
hunting game. Players try to locate hidden
containers, called geocaches, using GPS-
GPS-
enabled devices and then share their
experiences online.
Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age
groups, with a strong sense of community and
support for the environment.
2

3. What is Geocaching?

4. What is geocaching?
Low-impact outdoor activity for GPS
Low-
users of all ages
GPS = Global Positioning System
4

5. Global Positioning System
GPS i a system of
is f
27 satellites (24
active, 3 reserve)
active
to calculate your
position.
Satellites transmit their current
position down to Earth via radio
waves.
5

6. Global Positioning System
6

7. GPS receiver
Receives signals from GPS
satellites.
Determines latitude and longitude
of your current p
y position on the
Earth's surface.
7

8. GPS receivers
8

9. GPS receiver
Location can be
displayed on a map
background
9

10. GPS receiver
Display of distance,
bearing and ETA to
a selected waypoint
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11. Other GPS receiver
features
Determining satellite signal strength and
margin of error
Marking waypoints (latitude and longitude
coordinates)
Keeping a graphical t k of your j
K i hi l track f journey
Displaying street and topographical maps
Automatic route creation and traversal
Electronic compass
Barometric pressure altimeter
11

12. Uses for GPS receivers
Hiking d backpacking
Hiki and b k ki
Canoeing and marine navigation
Hunting and fishing
Bird watchingg
Search and rescue
Exercise progress tracking
Traveling via car, motorcycle, bicycle
Geocaching
12

13. What is geocaching?
Outdoor adventure game for GPS
users of all ages.
The basic idea is to set up caches
p
(hidden containers) and share the
locations (latitude/longitude) of these
caches on the internet.
h h
13

14. What is geocaching?
GPS users can then use the coordinates
to find the caches.
The visitor may take
something from the
g
cache, leave something,
and/or sign the logbook.
The “find” is then logged onto the
Internet website where statistics
about found and hidden caches are
b tf d d hidd h
maintained. 14

15. What s
What’s the point?
It may sound simple, b t many
d i l but
caches are well hidden.
Many require searching and
experience to find.
Only a few geocaches are
accidentally found by non-
y y non-
geocachers.
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16. What s
What’s the point?
Sometimes just getting to the cache
area can be a big part of the
adventure.
It's one thing to see the latitude and
g
longitude plotted on a map, but it can
be quite a task to figure out how to
q g
get from here to there.
16

17. What s
What’s the point?
Geocaching can be thought of in two
parts:
The journey to reach the cache area.
The challenge of actually finding the
cache container.
Both can be equally rewarding
rewarding.
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18. Misconceptions about
geocaching
“Geocaches are buried.”
“G h b i d”
FACT: Geocaches are
not allowed to be buried
in the ground.
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19. Misconceptions about
geocaching
“Geocaches are litter or
abandoned property.”
FACT: Geocaches are
not litter or abandoned
t litt b d d
property.
property
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20. Misconceptions about
geocaching
“Geocaching will damage the
land.
land ”
FACT: Geocaching foot traffic
g
is similar to hiking, trail
walking, or bird watching.
g, g
Most caches are placed near
p
trails. 20

21. How Did It Get Started?
On May 1 2000 the GPS signal
1, 2000,
degradation called Select Availability
( )
(SA) was removed.
The change allowed GPS units
owned by civilians to be more
accurate – to within 20 feet or
better.
On May 3rd, 2000 someone hid a cache
in Oregon and posted the coordinates
on the Internet. I became the first
h I It b h fi
geocache. 21

22. How Did It Get Started?
Jeremy Irish, the owner of the
Geocaching.com website, expanded the
idea and named it “Geocaching”.
“Geocaching”.
Geocaching is now in all 50
states and more than 200
t t d th
countries.
Geocaching.com is by far
the #1 website for
geocachers.
geocachers
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23. Worldwide geocaches
23
767,628 Active Worldwide

24. U.S. geocaches
24

25. Northwest Houston Caches
25

26. Geocache containers
A weather-resistant
weather-
container such as
Tupperware,
Rubbermaid, or
surplus ammo box
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27. Geocache containers
Usually a weather-
weather-
resistant container
such as
Tupperware,
Tupperware
Rubbermaid, or
surplus ammo box
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28. What s
What’s in a cache?
Logbook
Trinkets to trade
Examples: maps, books, software,
hardware, CDs, videos, pictures, coins,
tools, games, etc.
tools games etc
Information sheet that explains the
container and geocaching as well as
geocaching,
contact information.
Disposable camera (optional)
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29. What s
What’s in a cache?
29

34. What are the rules?
Cache contents
No food
No weapons (knives ammunition
(knives, ammunition,
explosives)
No drugs or alcohol
No adult materials
No solicitations (business, religious,
political)
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35. Who enforces the rules?
Geocaching.com
Controls listing of g
g geocaches worldwide on its
website.
Caches are approved by volunteer reviewers.
Reviewers do not visit the geocache in person
as part of the approval process.
Reviewers view the online description,
coordinates, topo maps, proximity to other
caches, compliance with k
h li ith known park rules.
k l
35

36. Cache In Trash Out
Cache In Trash Out (CITO) is an ongoing
environmental initiative supported by the
pp y
worldwide geocaching community.
Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated
to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly
places around the world Through these
world.
volunteer efforts, we help preserve the natural
beauty of our outdoor resources!
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37. Suggestions for a Day
Geocaching
What
Wh to wear?
?
Long sleeve shirt
Hat
Long pants
L t
Sturdy walking/hiking shoes
Bug repellent
What to bring?
Water
Walking Stick
Snacks
Map
Cell Phone
GPS w/extra batteries or charger