The History and Variations of Geocaching Zach Finley FRS 142 4/23/07 Zach Finley FRS 142 4/23/07

Definition: An outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a GPS receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called “geocaches” or “caches”) anywhere in the world.

What is a geocache? A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and “treasure,” usually toys or trinkets of little monetary value. Today, well over 350,000 geocaches are currently placed in 222 countries around the world, which are registered to various websites devoted to the sport. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and “treasure,” usually toys or trinkets of little monetary value. Today, well over 350,000 geocaches are currently placed in 222 countries around the world, which are registered to various websites devoted to the sport.

History Letterboxing Progression of GPS availability First documented geocache Origin of the name Letterboxing Progression of GPS availability First documented geocache Origin of the name

The Process

Special Contents Travel Bugs Geocoins Travel Bugs Geocoins

Variations “Drive-bys” “PNGs” “Cache and dash” Extreme caches “Drive-bys” “PNGs” “Cache and dash” Extreme caches

Categories of Caches Traditional Night Cache Cache-In Trash- Out Letterbox Hybrid Locationless/Reve rse Moving/Traveling Traditional Night Cache Cache-In Trash- Out Letterbox Hybrid Locationless/Reve rse Moving/Traveling Multi-cache Mystery/Puzzle- based Offset Virtual Earthcache Webcam Multi-cache Mystery/Puzzle- based Offset Virtual Earthcache Webcam

Ethics Geocachers Creed When placing or seeking geocaches, I will: 1.Not endanger myself or others 2.Observe all laws and rules of the area 3.Respect property rights and seek permission where appropriate 4.Avoid causing disruptions or public alarm 5.Minimize my and others’ impact on the environment 6.Be considerate of others 7.Protect the integrity of the game pieces Geocachers Creed When placing or seeking geocaches, I will: 1.Not endanger myself or others 2.Observe all laws and rules of the area 3.Respect property rights and seek permission where appropriate 4.Avoid causing disruptions or public alarm 5.Minimize my and others’ impact on the environment 6.Be considerate of others 7.Protect the integrity of the game pieces

Websites Geocaching.com Buxley’s Geocaching Waypoint GPSGames.org Navicache.com Terracaching.com Geocreed.info Geocaching.com Buxley’s Geocaching Waypoint GPSGames.org Navicache.com Terracaching.com Geocreed.info

Future Geodashing Geocaching with your mobile phone –Trimble Geocache NavigatorTM Geodashing Geocaching with your mobile phone –Trimble Geocache NavigatorTM