What
is GeoCaching?
GeoCaching
is a sport that allows a person to find "hidden treasure" by
using GPS or Global Positioning System. By using a low-cost GPSr or Global
Positioning System Receiver, a person can go to within just a short distance
of any position on earth. The GPS uses 12 sattelites put in place by the
United States government.
A GeoCache is hidden
by someone and then the longitude and latitude coordinates are logged
on a web site. Another GeoCacher then takes the longitude/latitude coordinates
and finds the GeoCache with his GPSr. After the GeoCache has been found,
a log is made of that find on the GeoCaching web site.
As
of May 2, 2004, there were 96622 active caches in 202 countries.
In the previous 7 days to May 2, 2004, there were 63158 new logs written
by 13103 account holders.
Does
it Cost Anything to GeoCache?
Not at this time, other than the purchase
of a GPSr. Some GeoCaching web sites do offer upgraded memberships.
What
Kind of GPSr Should I Puchase and How Much Do They Cost?
There
is a large variety of GPSr units available to the public. GPSr units can
be purchased for as little as $100 and some can run well over $1,000.
Take a look at the following web sites to learn more:
Garmin.com
MagellanGPS.com
Lowrance.com
Okay,
I Have a GPSr, How Do I Get Started?
The
best way to get started is to take a look at the GeoCaching.com web site.
It will help you learn how to find a GeoCache and how to place a GeoCache.
Chances are there are other GeoCachers in your area. Take a look at my
links page to look for a local
GeoCaching group. The leading GeoCaching web site is GeoCaching.com.
The only other GeoCaching web site I have found is NaviCache.com.
Hints
to Making GeoCaching Easier
I have found that using a laptop computer with topographical
software and street software makes narrowing down a GeoCache much easier.
I simply plug my GPSr into my laptop and follow the streets or trails
to a location as close to the GeoCache's coordinates as I can get, then
take my GPSr and continue on until I reach the longitude and latitude
for that GeoCache. The GPSr I use has a "base map" built in
to it but additional maps can be downloaded for much more detail in the
GPSr itself.
Click
Here to Go to Geocaching.com's FAQ Page
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