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Geocaching
The Digital Treasure Hunt
By Cheryl LeJune

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What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure
hunting game. Players try to locate hidden
containers, called geocaches, using 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.

3. What is Geocaching?

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

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Global Positioning System
 GPS is a system of
32 satellites to
calculate your
position.
 Satellites transmit their current
position down to Earth via radio
waves.

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Global Positioning System

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

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GPS receivers

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GPS receiver
 Location can be
displayed on a map
background

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GPS receiver
 Display of distance,
bearing and ETA to
a selected waypoint

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Other GPS receiver
features
 Determining satellite signal strength and
margin of error
 Marking waypoints (latitude and longitude
coordinates)
 Keeping a graphical track of your journey
 Displaying street and topographical maps
 Automatic route creation and traversal
 Electronic compass
 Barometric pressure altimeter

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Uses for GPS receivers
 Hiking and backpacking
 Canoeing and marine navigation
 Hunting and fishing
 Bird watching
 Search and rescue
 Exercise progress tracking
 Traveling via car, motorcycle, bicycle
 Geocaching

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

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What is geocaching?
 GPS users can then use the coordinates
to find the caches.
 The visitor may take
something from the
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
maintained.

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What’s the point?
 It may sound simple, but many
caches are well hidden.
 Many require searching and
experience to find.
 Only a few geocaches are
accidentally found by non-
geocachers.

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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
longitude plotted on a map, but it can
be quite a task to figure out how to
get from here to there.

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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.

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Misconceptions about
geocaching
FACT: Geocaches are
not allowed to be buried
in the ground.
“Geocaches are buried.”

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Misconceptions about
geocaching
FACT: Geocaches are
not litter or abandoned
property.
“Geocaches are litter or
abandoned property.”

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Misconceptions about
geocaching
 FACT: Geocaching foot traffic
is similar to hiking, trail
walking, or bird watching.
 Most caches are placed near
trails.
“Geocaching will damage the
land.”

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How Did It Get Started?
 On May 1, 2000, the GPS signal
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. It became the first
geocache.

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How Did It Get Started?
 Jeremy Irish, the owner of the
Geocaching.com website, expanded the
idea and named it “Geocaching”.
 Geocaching is now in all 50
states and more than 200
countries.
 Geocaching.com is by far
the #1 website for
geocachers.

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Worldwide geocaches
2,377,807 active geocaches worldwide

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U.S. geocaches

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Northwest Houston Caches

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Geocache containers
 A weather-resistant
container such as
Tupperware,
Rubbermaid, or
surplus ammo box

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What’s in a cache?
 Logbook
 Trinkets to trade
 Examples: maps, books, software,
hardware, CDs, videos, pictures, coins,
tools, games, etc.
 Information sheet that explains the
container and geocaching, as well as
contact information.
 Disposable camera (optional)

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What’s in a cache?

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What are the rules?
Cache contents
 No food
 No weapons (knives, ammunition, explosives)
 No drugs or alcohol
 No adult materials
 No solicitations (business, religious, political)

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Who enforces the rules?
 Geocaching.com
 Controls listing of 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 known park rules.

35. Cache In Trash Out
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Cache In Trash Out (CITO) is an ongoing
environmental initiative supported by the
worldwide geocaching community.
Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated
to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly
places around the world. Through these
volunteer efforts, we help preserve the natural
beauty of our outdoor resources!

36. Suggestions for a Day of
Geocaching
 What to wear?
 Long sleeve shirt
 Hat
 Long pants
 Sturdy walking/hiking shoes
 Bug repellent
 What to bring?
 Water
 Walking Stick
 Snacks
 Map
 Cell Phone
 GPS w/extra batteries or charger

37. Geocaching –
Texas State Parks!

38. Let’s Go Geocaching!
 001 – N 29° 54.785’
W 095° 41.576’
 002 – N 29° 54.671’
W 095° 41.435’
 003 - N 29° 54.602’
W 095° 41.363’ 39
A Little Birdie Told Me
0.1 mi
All About Fish
0.1 mi
More Power
0.25 mi