Geocaching Merit Badge 2014 Mountain Dominion District COLD RUSH 3/31/2017 Geocaching Merit Badge 2014 Mountain Dominion District COLD RUSH Troop 1 Princeton, WV

3/31/2017 The Plan for Today What is Geocaching? Safety How to Find a Geocache Mapping: GPS, UTM, Compass How to Hide a Geocache Geocaching Terms CITO Leave no Trace Geocaching Game

3/31/2017 What is Geocaching? “Geocaching is a sport where you use a multi billion dollar satellite system to locate a rubbermaid containers in middle of the woods.” ~~ Anonymous

What is Geocaching? Nature meets Technology 3/31/2017 What is Geocaching? Nature meets Technology GPS (Global Positioning Device) Maps Hidden Containers Latitude/Longitude Friends and Family Time geocaching.com Adventures FUN with your Troop

History of Geocaching GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense 3/31/2017 History of Geocaching GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense May 1st, 2000 the Government made these GPS signals available to the public Removing “Selective Availability” On May 3rd, Dave Ulmer hid a 5 gallon pail out in woods in Oregon Called “The Great American Stash Hunt” The first finder, Jeremy Irish, created geocaching.com to document geocaches Today over 1 Million are hidden around the world Removing “Selective Availability” “The Great American Stash Hunt” – to test the accuracy of new system GPS technology is used in surveying, geology, hiking, environmental research, air and sea travel, etc.

Global Positioning System (GPS) 3/31/2017 Global Positioning System (GPS) What does a GPS Do? Tells you where to go Tracks where you have been Stores maps: topo, trails, street Stores coordinates (waypoints, points of interest) Communicates with Satellites out in space GPS will time the signals of these satellites to calculate your position. Satellites continuously transmits data that indicates it’s time and location

How does it work? Three Segments Space Control User 3/31/2017 How does it work? Three Segments Space 24-30 satellites orbit around the earth at an altitude of about 12,550 miles Transmits position, orbit and location, and altitude Control Satellites are tracked by US Air Force Monitoring Stations scattered throughout the US. Ground stations will send navigation updates to the satellites User GPS Uses data from satellites to calculate user’s position, altitude and other data

How does it work? To sum it all up: 3/31/2017 How does it work? To sum it all up: The GPS uses the time it receives the signal from the satellites to determine location and altitude The GPS only needs to receive data from 4 satellites to determine location. The more received, the better the accuracy

Interference and Accuracy 3/31/2017 Interference and Accuracy Interference: Factors that prevent GPS from receiving information from satellites Weather Buildings Trees Canyons Takes longer for GPS to receive satellite signal No GPS is 100% Accurate Most GPS units will get you within 20 feet of a Geocache Use “Geosense” when hunting for a cache

How to use a GPS Get to know your GPS before you head out 3/31/2017 How to use a GPS Get to know your GPS before you head out Where is the Enter button, move up or down, zoom in or out, find the menu, turn on backlight How to switch between the map and the compass Check battery levels “Mark” a Waypoint A waypoint is a location entered in your GPS “Find” a waypoint (location) or point of interest Edit/Change coordinates The Compass The arrow will not move until you begin to move

3/31/2017 GPSr Demonstration

GPS Safety How to NOT get lost or run into barriers: 3/31/2017 GPS Safety How to NOT get lost or run into barriers: GPS “where to crow flies” Always look at a map of area first to determine your best route Obstacles: rivers, streams, swamps, cliffs Always carry extra batteries Mark your car or trailhead Have map and compass

Map and Compass Why should you bring a Map and Compass with you? 3/31/2017 Map and Compass Why should you bring a Map and Compass with you? GPS batteries go dead Satellite signal is not good Accidently enter in the wrong coordinates TIME FOR QUESTIONS….

How to Determine Coordinates 3/31/2017 How to Determine Coordinates The globe is comprised of vertical and horizontal lines called: Latitude and Longitude Latitude (parallels) Horizontal lines around the globe North to South position between the poles North Pole is 90 degrees north South Pole is 90 degrees south Longitude (meridians) Vertical lines around the globe East to West 0 degrees = Prime Meridian and goes through Greenwich England. Latitude: how far north and south you are Longitude: how far east and west you are

Latitude and Longitude 3/31/2017 Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and Longitude 3/31/2017 Latitude and Longitude Each degree is divided into 60 minutes Each minute of latitude and longitude = 60 seconds Format used for Coordinates: Degrees, Minutes, Seconds Coordinates at Baldy Mountain at Philmont are N 360 37’ 45’’ W 1050 12’ 48’’ Geocaching.com and most GPS uses different format: Degrees and Decimal Minutes Coordinates above would read: N 36 37.750 W 105 12.800

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) 3/31/2017 Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Rectangular grid-based map overlay Divides Earth into 60 zones Each zone = 6 degrees of latitude 20 Latitude bands, each 8 degrees high Each band is lettered from C to X (no I or O) Ends at 84o N Latitude “Easting” – measured from central meridian “Northing” – measured from the equator Always read coordinates East and then North

3/31/2017 UTM

3/31/2017 UTM To use the UTM grid, you can place a transparent grid overlay on the map to subdivide the grid, or you can draw lines on the map connecting corresponding ticks on opposite edges. The distances can be measured in meters at the map scale between any map point and the nearest grid lines to the south and west. The northing of the point is the value of the nearest grid line south of it plus its distance north of that line; its easting is the value of the nearest grid line west of it plus its distance east of that line (see fig. 2). On maps at 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scale, a full UTM grid is shown at intervals of 10,000 meters and is numbered and used in the same way.

UTM Excercise Questions or Break….. 3/31/2017 Resource: maptools.com UTM Exercise, topo maps and overlay tool Questions or Break…..

Types of Geocaches Traditional Multi-Cache Puzzle Virtual Earthcache 3/31/2017 Types of Geocaches Traditional Multi-Cache Puzzle Virtual Earthcache Event Letterbox Wherigo Webcam Benchmarking Waymarking Briefly explain each type. Letterbox/Letterbox hybrid: has a stamp, NOT swag Wherigo: game using cartridges you download from wherigo.com, virtual video game

Geocache Sizes Micro Small Regular Large 3/31/2017 Geocache Sizes Micro Nano, film containers, magnetic key holder Typically only a logbook Small Sandwich size lock-n-lock, decon containers, small peanut butter container Can fit logbook, pencil and small trade items Regular Ammo can, large lock-n-lock, think “shoebox size” Large 5 gallon pail, big wooden box

Terrain and Difficulty 3/31/2017 Terrain and Difficulty Terrain Rating: 1-5 stars Steep terrain, water, cliffs Paved trail 1 star would be wheelchair accessible 5 star may require special equipment Difficulty Rating: 1-5 stars Nano up in a pine tree (5) 50 gallon garbage can (1) 1 star would be super easy, 5 star is evil

Attributes What to expect at cache location 3/31/2017 Attributes What to expect at cache location Is parking available? Can you bring your dog? Do you need special equipment (boat, scuba gear) How long will it take? Is cache available at night? Kid Friendly? Stealth Required? Do I need to watch out for ticks or poisonous plants?

Internet Safety Obtain parent permission and follow the rules 3/31/2017 Internet Safety Obtain parent permission and follow the rules Never give out your email, phone number or other personal information Never open e-mail or files if you don’t know who sent it Tell a parent if you see or receive anything that makes you feel uncomfortable Never agree to meet with anybody you meet online Don’t share passwords Don’t believe everything you read online Obey the laws

Getting Started Step 1: Research Step 2: Safety Step 3: The Hunt 3/31/2017 Getting Started Step 1: Research Step 2: Safety Step 3: The Hunt Step 4: The Actual Find

Step 1: Research Sign up for free account on Geocaching.com 3/31/2017 Step 1: Research Sign up for free account on Geocaching.com Click “Hide and Seek a Cache”, enter a zip code Select the Geocache you want to find Pay attention to distance, difficulty, terrain, type and size Enter coordinates in your GPS device Look at map of area to determine your best approach In the city, use a city map In rural areas, use a topographic map

Preparing to Geocache What to take with you GPS Extra batteries 3/31/2017 Preparing to Geocache What to take with you GPS Extra batteries Cache page Water A buddy Trinkets to trade with Pen/Pencil Bug Spray CITO bag Sense of Adventure

Step 2: Safety Bring a buddy 3/31/2017 Step 2: Safety Bring a buddy Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back Carry a compass, whistle and first aid kit Dress for weather and terrain Be aware of your surroundings If it’s hunting season, wear blaze orange

Step 3: The Hunt Mark your car and/or trailhead Stay on the trail 3/31/2017 Step 3: The Hunt Mark your car and/or trailhead Stay on the trail Watch your Footing Use your GPS compass to lead you towards the cache Slow down when you get to about 300 feet Once you get to about 30 feet, start your search Sometimes it helps to just put the GPS away and use your “geosense”

Step 4: The Actual Find Once you find it, write about it in logbook 3/31/2017 Step 4: The Actual Find Once you find it, write about it in logbook Use your geocaching name (handle) and date Take something, Leave something Only take a trackable if you intend on moving it Trackables are Geocoins, Travel Bugs and tracked on Geocaching.com Put Geocache back, better than how you found it Many times, geocaches “move” or camo disappears Make sure lid is on tight Log it on Geocaching.com and share your experience.

Hazards Poisonous plants Sunburn Heatstroke Hypothermia Woodticks 3/31/2017 Hazards Poisonous plants Sunburn Heatstroke Hypothermia Woodticks Mosquitoes Holes in the ground Uneven terrain Disorientation

Hiding a Geocache Read the guidelines on Geocaching.com 3/31/2017 Hiding a Geocache Read the guidelines on Geocaching.com Many parks and cities have special rules Same steps as finding: Step 1: Research Step 2: Safety Step 3: The Hunt Step 4: The Actual Find

Step 1: Research Where would be a good place to hide a Geocache? 3/31/2017 Step 1: Research Where would be a good place to hide a Geocache? Geocaches must be .10 miles (528 feet) away from others. Think “Where would I like to FIND a Geocache?” Hide Geocache where there will be minimal risk to the environment

Step 2: Safety Geocaches must be safe to get to 3/31/2017 Step 2: Safety Geocaches must be safe to get to If on private property, obtain permission Geocaches are not allowed near railroads, bridges, school property or military bases

Step 3: The Hunt Make sure coordinates are accurate Supply a hint 3/31/2017 Step 3: The Hunt Make sure coordinates are accurate Supply a hint Write “Geocache” on outside of container You want to be sure Geocachers can find your hide

Step 4: The Actual Find Be sure to use a watertight container 3/31/2017 Step 4: The Actual Find Be sure to use a watertight container Lock N Locks Ammo Cans Decon containers Do not use: “gladware”, they do not hold up to Minnesota winters Put a “Cache Note” in the geocache This can be printed off Geocaching.com Put logbook in a plastic baggie Leave the pencil out, they tend to poke holes in the baggie Load the cache up with swag Do not put in food, fireworks, or other dangerous materials

Submitting your Geocache 3/31/2017 Submitting your Geocache Go to Geocaching.com On “Hide and Seek” page, click on the Online Form Complete all information on the form and Submit Add Attributes Volunteer reviewers will review your listing If there are questions, they will email you If no questions and all guidelines were followed, they will publish your new Geocache on Geocaching.com Wait for that first Geocacher to log the “FTF” (First to Find)

3/31/2017 Maintain it! When you hide a Geocache, you are obligated to maintain it Read the logs that geocachers will send you They will let you know if your Geocache is “wet” or the logbook is full If you get a few “DNF” logs (Did Not Find), you may want to check to see if the geocache has been “Muggled” (a non-geocacher may have found it and removed it) When you visit the area, make sure environment around isn’t being damaged in anyway If you can no longer maintain, you need to “archive” and remove the geocache

Leave No Trace Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles 3/31/2017 Leave No Trace Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles Plan Ahead and Prepare Check weather, be safe, follow land policies, know how to use GPS Travel and Cache on durable surfaces Stay on the trail, avoid creating new “geotrails”, avoid sensitive areas Dispose of Waste Properly Cache in, Trash Out Leave What you Find “see it as it is, leave it as it was”

Leave No Trace Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife 3/31/2017 Leave No Trace Minimize Campfire Impacts Typically doesn’t apply with Geocaching, but know area regulations Respect Wildlife Never leave food in a geocache Dogs on a leash Observe wildlife from a distance Be Considerate of other Visitors Yield to those on a trail Avoid loud noises Do not trespass

CITO Cache In Trash Out DIPO 3/31/2017 CITO Cache In Trash Out Always carry a bag with you to pick up trash on your way out CITO Event: Group of geocachers getting together to clean up a park or other geocaching friendly area DIPO Dog in Poop Out: make sure you clean up after the dogs

3/31/2017 Make CITO Containers

Geocaching Game!! 3/31/2017 Plan Ahead Obtain Permissions Set up the Game: hide geocaches before folks arrive, load coordinates Explain the game, leave no trace and the rules Play the Game Debrief (explain to Scouts steps taken to setup the game) Clean up area and collect the Geocaches

Geocachers Creed When placing or seeking geocaches, I will: 3/31/2017 Geocachers Creed When placing or seeking geocaches, I will: Not endanger myself or others Observe all laws & rules of the area Respect property rights and seek permission where appropriate Avoid causing disruptions or public alarm Minimize my and others' impact on the environment Be considerate of others Protect the integrity of the game pieces ..Not Endanger Myself or Others: Like any outdoor activity, geocaching involves some inherent risk and many geocachers enjoy manageable risks. Minimize inordinate risks. When creating a cache, describe any hidden dangers and, if possible, arrange the hunt to minimize these dangers. When seeking a cache, know your limitations and be aware of your surroundings. Don't attempt anything beyond your abilities. A cache you own, or one you're trading out of, could be found by children or even a prisoner work crew - consider the location of the cache and those likely to find it when deciding what to leave as a trade item. ...Observe All Laws and Rules of the Area Don’t break the law or rules of an area, or encourage others to do so, when placing or seeking a cache. Don't leave illegal items in a cache. ...Respect Property Rights and Seek Permission Where Appropriate Check if permission is required before placing a cache on private property, and respect the landowner's wishes. Check if public land has a geocaching policy and respect existing policies. Promptly remove your cache if the land manager or steward asks. Do not damage, or interfere with the function of, buildings, structures, or signage. ...Avoid Causing Disruptions or Public Alarm Don’t place a cache near schools or government buildings unless the administration and staff are fully aware of the placement. Use caution where children play. Parents are understandably concerned when strangers are near their children. Don’t place a cache near critical infrastructure that might be considered a terrorist target, or create a cache that could be mistaken for a terrorist device (e.g. a pipe bomb). ...Minimize My and Others' Impact on the Environment Follow Leave No Trace ethics whenever possible. When seeking a cache, practice "Lift, Look, Replace" - put all stones or logs back where you found them. Leave the area as you found it or better (e.g. pick up litter). Obtain the best possible coordinates for your cache to reduce unwarranted wear on the area. Recheck and correct your coordinates if finders report significant errors. Do not abandon a cache. If you stop maintaining a cache, remove the container, archive its listing and explain the disposition of the cache in your archive note, or put it up for adoption or rescue. If you de-list a cache on one host, but keep it on another, make sure you mention this in the archive note to prevent rescues of active caches. ...Be Considerate of Others Treat other geocachers civilly - in the field, in the forums, or wherever your paths may cross. Don't spoil the hunt for others - allow them to experience the cache as its owner intended. Avoid leaving tracks to the cache. Do not disrupt the cache area or mark the hiding spot. Minimize giving unsolicited clues that reveal the cache (i.e. "spoilers"). Don't provide any hints if the cache description asks you not to. In all other cases, be cryptic or encrypt any hints or spoilers you enter in online logs. Edit your log if the cache owner requests that you remove spoilers. Promptly alert the owner of any issues with their cache. Make minor repairs if you can, it will save the owner a trip. Cache owners appreciate feedback - write an online log, send an email, or otherwise let the owner know about your experience with their cache. Only place caches you can maintain and respond promptly to problem reports. If you exchange trade items, trade kindly: Consider what future finders would like and leave something equal to or better than what you take. If you place a traveling item into the game, attach a tag that describes its goal, so that others can help it along. If you pick up a traveling item with a tag describing its goal, move the item toward its goal if possible. Contact the owner if you hold a traveling item for more than a couple of weeks or so. Obtain permission from the originator before copying unique themes and techniques, adding to an existing series of caches, or placing a cache close to another. ...Protect the Integrity of the Game Pieces The owner entrusts you to not damage or jeopardize the cache. Try to ensure the cache is ready for the next finder and is as good as or better than you found it. Make sure the container is properly closed to prevent the contents from getting wet or destroyed. Be inconspicuous in retrieving, signing in, and replacing a cache to avoid vandalism. Put the cache back where you found it and hide it well. Don’t move a cache - if you suspect the cache is not in the intended spot, hide it the best you can and alert the owner as soon as possible. Don’t collect traveling items meant to stay in the game. This is tantamount to stealing. Don’t tamper with or involve a game piece in "alternate" games without the owner’s permission.

Resources www.geoscouting.com www.geocaching.com 3/31/2017 Resources www.geoscouting.com www.geocaching.com www.cacheintrashout.com www.mngca.org References: Geocaching Merit Badge Handbook http://geocaching.coollibrarian.com http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html http://www.maptools.com/UsingUTM http://www.geocreed.info/index.html

Ed Evans, Assistant Scoutmaster Princeton Troop 1 304-673-2969 3/31/2017 Contact Information Ed Evans, Assistant Scoutmaster Princeton Troop 1 304-673-2969