1. Geocaching 101
STEM 6
Spring 2015

2. Introduction What is geocaching? Who are the geocachers?
What are the rules and who enforces them?
How can you prepare for geocaching?
What is geocaching?
Who are the geocachers?
What are the rules and who enforces them?
How can you prepare for geocaching?

3. What is geocaching?
Low-impact outdoor activity for GPS users of all ages
GPS = Global Positioning System
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing, like cashing a check) is a low-impact outdoor activity that brings adults and families into the great outdoors. One way to explain geocaching is to say it’s like Easter egg hunting only it’s for grown-ups or families. And instead of searching in someone’s backyard, you can search worldwide using the Internet and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to help find the “treasure”.

4. Global Positioning System
GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position.
GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position.
These satellites broadcast their current position down to Earth via radio waves.
By analyzing these signals it is possible to determine the latitude and longitude of your
location.
Satellites transmit their current position down to Earth via radio waves.

5. Global Positioning System
A view depicting 24 satellites in orbit

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

7. GPS receivers Various types of GPS handheld receivers
Magellen SportTrak
Lowrance iFinder
Garmin eTrex
Garmin GPSmap 76

8. GPS receiver Location can be displayed on a map background
Two key features used by geocachers:
1. Displaying your location and the location of a nearby geocache on a map background.

9. GPS receiver
Display of distance, bearing and ETA to a selected waypoint
2. Displaying the distance and bearing to a selected waypoint, in this case, a geocache.

10. 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
GPS units can come with a wide variety of additional features and
capabilities. They include:
- Determining satellite signal strength and margin of error.
- Marking waypoints (latitude and longitude coordinates).
- Keeping a graphical track/map of your journey.
- Displaying street and topographical maps.
- Automatic route creation and traversal.
- An electronic compass.
- A barometric pressure altimeter.

11. 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
People use GPS units for many outdoor navigational activities such as:
Hiking and backpacking
Canoeing and marine navigation
Hunting and fishing
Bird watching
Search and rescue
Exercise progress tracking
Traveling via automobile
Geocaching

12. 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.
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.

13. 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.
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.
The “find” is then logged onto the Internet website where statistics about found and hidden caches are maintained.

14. 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.
It sounds pretty simple, but many caches are well hidden and take some
searching and experience to find. A testament to this is the very
small percentage of geocaches that are accidentally found by non-
geocachers.

15. 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.
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.

16. 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.
Geocaching can be thought of in two parts:
(1) The journey to reach the cache area.
(2) The challenge of actually finding the cache container.
Both are equally rewarding.

17. Misconceptions about geocaching
“Geocaches are buried.”
FACT: Geocaches are not allowed to be buried in the ground.
The biggest misconception about geocaching is that some people think the caches are buried. I have found more than 500 caches, most of them in Wisconsin, and none were buried. In fact, guidelines at Geocaching.com specifically prohibit burying caches. The usual methods of hiding a cache include placing it inside a hollow log, under a fallen tree, under a small pile of stones or sticks, or in the crevice of a rock.

18. 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.
How did geocaching 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 accurate to within as close as 6 to 20 feet. Prior to removal of SA, the best accuracy was about 150 feet.
On May 3rd, 2000 someone hid a cache in Oregon and posted the coordinates on the Internet. It became the first geocache.
On May 3rd, 2000 someone hid a cache in Oregon and posted the coordinates on the Internet. It became the first geocache.

19. 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.
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.
Geocaching.com has set the current high standard for responsible
geocaching throughout the world. The rules regarding geocaches as well
as the review process for them have been developed with input from many
land managers.
Geocaching.com is by far the #1 website for geocachers.

20. Worldwide geocaches
Worldwide there are more than 135-thousand geocaches.

21. In the U.S., close to 100-thousand geocaches
U.S. geocaches

22. Who are the geocachers? Who are the geocachers?
20-something gen-Xers and 30-somethings.
Families with little kids – “treasure hunting”
Middle-age and seniors.
The only age group not well-represented in geocaching seem to be teenagers.

23. Who are the geocachers?
Even park rangers and managers have been known to take part.
Photos from disposable camera in a geocache in Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest.

24. Geocache containers
A weather-resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box
Geocache containers
Usually a weather-resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box

25. Geocache containers
Usually a weather-resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box
Containers are supposed to be marked on the outside, clearly identifying them as a geocache.

26. 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)
What is usually in a cache?
A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be the logbook. In its simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else. The logbook contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. A logbook might contain information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished caches, and even jokes written by visitors. If you get some information from a logbook you should give some back. At the very least you can leave the date and time you visited the cache.
Larger caches may consist of a waterproof container placed tastefully within the local terrain. The cache will contain the logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, its only fair for you to leave something in return. Items in a cache could be: Maps, books, software, hardware, CDs, videos, pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that items in a bucket cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect them.

27. What’s in a cache?
Photo of a typical geocache, including plastic bags to keep the contents dry, and a disposable camera.

28. What are the rules? Cache placement
No caches on land maintained by the U.S. National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuges)
No caches that are buried.
No caches placed on archaeological or historical sites.
Rules for listing a geocache on Geocaching.com are listed on the web site. Here are a few of the highlights.
No caches on land maintained by the U.S. National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuges)
No caches that are buried. If a shovel, trowel or other “pointy” object is used to dig, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not appropriate.
No caches placed on archaeological or historical sites. In most cases these areas are highly sensitive to the extra traffic that would be caused by vehicles and humans.

29. What are the rules?
No caches close to active railroad tracks. 150 feet minimum.
No caches on military installations.
No caches near or under highway bridges, dams, government buildings, or airports.
No caches on school property without permission.
No caches hidden in close proximity to active railroad tracks. In general we use a distance of 150 ft but your local area’s trespassing laws may be different. All local laws apply.
No caches near or on military installations.
No caches near or under public structures deemed potential or possible targets for terrorist attacks. These include but are not limited to highway bridges, dams, government buildings and airports.
No caches on school property.

30. What are the rules? Cache placement No “vacation caches”
No cache closer than 0.1 mile (528 feet) to an existing cache.
Cacher owner must obtain permission from park manager, if required.
Cache placement
No “vacation caches” which means geocachers are supposed to place caches near where they live so they can maintain them.
No cache closer than 0.1 mile (528 feet) to an existing cache.
Cacher owner must obtain permission from park manager, if required.

31. 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)
Cache Contents
Use your common sense in most cases. Explosives, fireworks, ammo, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), drugs, alcohol or other illicit material shouldn't be placed in a cache. As always respect the local laws. Geocaching is a family activity and cache contents should be suitable for all ages.
Food items are ALWAYS a BAD IDEA.  Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because food items (or items that smell like food) are in the cache.  Even the presence of mint flavored dental floss has led to destruction of one cache.
If the original cache contents list any of the above items or other questionable items, or if a cache is reported to have the questionable items, the cache may be disabled, and the owner of the cache will be contacted and asked to remove the questionable items before the cache is enabled.

32. 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.
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.

33. Variations on the game Traditional caches Multi-caches / Offset caches
Virtual caches
Event caches
Travel bugs
So far, we’ve looked at traditional caches. Variations on the game include:
A multi-cache ("multiple") involves two or more locations, the final location being a physical container. There are many variations, but most multi-caches have a hint to find the second cache, and the second cache has hints to the third, and so on. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache) is considered a multi-cache.
A virtual cache is not an actual container but rather a point of interest or other significance such as a landmark, statue, historic site, etc. The geocacher has to send the answers to one or more questions about the landmark to the cache owner to prove that they were there. It’s important to note that new virtual caches are rarely approved. The preference now is to place actual caches to find.
Event caches are organized by geocachers. The WGA has held several event caches over the past year – receiving good cooperation from park managers for our events. “Temporary” caches are placed in the park and then picked up at the end of the day.
Travel bugs are a fun element of geocaching. A travel bug is a metal dog tag into which is stamped a unique serial number. The owner of the travel bug often attaches a fun hitchhiker such as a keychain, small stuffed animal toy, toy car, etc.
The travel bug is then given a mission and registered on the Geocaching.com website. Missions often along the lines of: travel to the Grand Canyon and have its picture taken there, or visit every major league baseball park in the United States, etc. The travel bug is then put into a cache and noted as being there on the Geocaching.com website. Other geocachers who find the travel bug and can help it on its journey will pick it up and move it to another cache. They register the movement of the travel bug on the Geocaching.com website via the travel bug's serial number. In this way, the travel bugs are tracked from place to place as they move around.

34. Typical travel bug map
Travel bugs have their own web page, including maps to show the names and locations of geocaches that the travel bug has been in.
This map is for a travel bug called “spidey”

35. Cache In / Trash Out (CITO)
While searching for a cache, geocachers are encouraged to pick up and tote out trash they find along the way.
Many geocachers put trash bags in their caches so other geocachers can use them to pick up trash in the area.
Geocaching organizations often host large CITO events for picking up trash in an area.
Geocachers often practice what is called Cache-In/Trash-Out (CITO).
This means that while searching for a cache geocachers will pick up and
tote out a bag or two worth of trash they find along the way. To aid
in this effort many geocachers will put trash bags in their caches so
that other geocachers can use them to pick up trash in the area.
Geocaching organizations often host large CITO events for the express
purpose of picking up trash in an area. In addition, each year has one
day officially dedicated to CITO efforts around the world.
CITO has the same goals and benefits of Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-
Trail programs that have been established in many areas, with the added
benefit that CITO happens continuously as well as during big events.

36. Cache In / Trash Out (CITO)
Photo of geocachers at Milwaukee lakefront Cache In/Trash Out cleanup event. April 17, 2004

37. Cache In / Trash Out (CITO)
Some of the trash collected at Milwaukee lakefront Cache In/Trash Out cleanup event. April 17, 2004