Geocaching Merit Badge

Geocaching Merit Badge
9/17/2018 Geocaching Merit Badge Original Powerpoint by Melissa Portz, Delano Troop 273

2012 Fort Hamilton District MBC
9/17/2018 2012 Fort Hamilton District MBC Instructors: Malcolm Hughes Rich Wendling (Web-ling) Matt Thomas (mtthomas99) (* will have blue cards)

9/17/2018 Course Schedule Day 1: Req. #1 Req. #3 Req. #6 Day 2: Req. #2 Req. #4 Day 3: Req. #5 Turn in Homework

Homework Requirement #7 Create an account on www.geocaching.com
9/17/2018 Homework Requirement #7 Create an account on Print out the info pages on 3 caches Find one of them, log your find, print out your log and bring to class. Requirement #9 Plan a GEOHUNT for a your group, including at least 4 waypoints. Bring the Written plan to class. Demonstrate the use of a GPS to at least one youth. Bring a signed statement from a parent or scoutmaster saying you have completed this set. Completing the GEOHUNT is recommended but not required Requirement #8 Complete one of the sub-requirements for #8. (CITO recommended)

Day One What is Geocaching? Safety Geocaching Terms
9/17/2018 Day One What is Geocaching? Safety Geocaching Terms How to Find a Geocache Game before next class: Write down the Name and Date found at these coordinates: N39°20.230’ W 84°31.026’

9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 What is Geocaching? Nature meets Technology GPS (Global Positioning Device) Maps Hidden Containers Latitude/Longitude Friends and Family Time geocaching.com Adventures Slideshow:

History of Geocaching GPS was developed by the US Dept of Defense
9/17/2018 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” Jeremy Irish, after reading about Mike Teague’s first find, bought a GPS and went on his first hunt. He later went on to 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)
9/17/2018 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

Geocaching Safety Questions or Break….. 9/17/2018
Resource: maptools.com UTM Exercise, topo maps and overlay tool Questions or Break…..

Internet Safety Obtain parent permission and follow the rules
9/17/2018 Internet Safety Obtain parent permission and follow the rules Never give out your , phone number or other personal information Never open 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

GPS Safety Common Hazards Weather Plan ahead and Dress accordingly.
9/17/2018 GPS Safety Common Hazards Weather Plan ahead and Dress accordingly. Heatstroke and/or Hypothermia Terrain Use a Topographical Map to understand elevations Beware of Holes/Uneven Ground Getting Lost GPS “as the crow flies” Always carry Extra Batteries Mark your car or trailhead Carry a backup map and compass Leave your plan and schedule with an adult

9/17/2018 GPS Safety – First Aid Be prepaired – Carry and First Aid kit and be ready for the following: Blisters Cuts and Scrapes (thorns/branches) Sprains and Strains Tick Bites Snakebite Poisonouse Plants Sunburn Head exhaustion Heatstroke Hypothermia

Geocaching Terms Questions or Break….. 9/17/2018

Geocaching Terms Waypoint Log Cache Accuracy Difficulty
9/17/2018 Geocaching Terms Waypoint Log Cache Accuracy Difficulty Terrain ratings Attributes Trackable CITO Clue Swag DNF FTF TFTC TNLN Ground Zero Briefly explain each type. Letterbox/Letterbox hybrid: has a stamp, NOT swag Wherigo: game using cartridges you download from wherigo.com, virtual video game

Types of Geocaches Traditional Multi-Cache Puzzle Virtual Earthcache
9/17/2018 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

Finding a Geocache Questions or Break….. 9/17/2018

Preparing to Geocache What to take with you GPS Extra batteries
9/17/2018 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 Whistle Proper Clothing (Orange Blaze if hunting season)

How to use Geocaching.com
9/17/2018 How to use Geocaching.com Search for GEOCACHES to find: By Zip Code By address With Google Maps Enter into GPS Manually USB download Research Check logs (has it been found recently) Note attributes: Micro cache? Difficult/Easy Understand terrain and Path (Topographical Map/City Map)

How to use a GPS Get to know your GPS before you head out
9/17/2018 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

The Hunt Mark your car and/or trailhead Stay on the trail
9/17/2018 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”

The Actual Find Once you find it, write about it in logbook
9/17/2018 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.

Geocache Sizes Micro Small Regular Large
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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?

9/17/2018 Day Two Etiquette for Hiding or Seeking a cache How to Hide a Geocache How does the Global Positioning System work Demonstrate how to use a GPS unit

Geocaching Etiquette Questions or Break….. 9/17/2018

Geocachers Creed When placing or seeking geocaches, I will:
9/17/2018 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 , 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.

Leave No Trace Follow 7 Leave No Trace Principles
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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

9/17/2018 Hiding a Geocache

Hiding a Geocache Read the guidelines on Geocaching.com
9/17/2018 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?
9/17/2018 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 NEVER BURY A CACHE!!

Step 2: Safety Geocaches must be safe to get to
9/17/2018 Step 2: Safety Geocaches must be safe to get to If on private property, obtain permission If on Public Land, 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
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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 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)

9/17/2018 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

The Global Positioning System
9/17/2018 The Global Positioning System Resource: maptools.com UTM Exercise, topo maps and overlay tool Questions or Break…..

How does it work? Three Segments Space Control User
9/17/2018 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:
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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

Demonstrate the use of your GPS Unit
9/17/2018 Demonstrate the use of your GPS Unit Marking and Editing Waypoints Changing Field Functions Changing Coordinate Systems (Lat/Long – UTM) Viewing Cache details (if available on your unit) Logging cache find (if available on your unit)

9/17/2018 Day Three Mapping: GPS, UTM, Compass

Map and Compass Why should you bring a Map and Compass with you?
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 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
9/17/2018 Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and Longitude
9/17/2018 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 ’ 45’’ W ’ 48’’ Geocaching.com and most GPS uses different format: Degrees and Decimal Minutes Coordinates above would read: N W

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
9/17/2018 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

9/17/2018 UTM

9/17/2018 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….. 9/17/2018

9/17/2018 Class Reminders Blue cards will be mailed to you. If you do not receive yours contact: Matt Thomas

Resources References: www.geoscouting.com www.geocaching.com
9/17/2018 Resources References: Geocaching Merit Badge Handbook

Original Presentation By: Melissa Portz, Assistant Scoutmaster
9/17/2018 Original Presentation By: Melissa Portz, Assistant Scoutmaster Delano Troop 273

Geocaching Merit Badge

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Geocaching Merit Badge"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Geocaching Merit Badge

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Geocaching Merit Badge"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback