Geocaching takes treasure hunting one step further by using GPS units to located hidden treasures. The name of the game is a combination of “Geo” from geography and “Caching” from the action of hiding the cache (or treasure).
The term cache is commonly used among hikers and campers to refer to a hidden supply of food or other provisions. Geocaching is also referred to as GPS Stash Hunt. Anyone armed with a GPS unit and a sense of adventure can play.
Combining the love for exploration, the thrill of treasure hunting, and the convenience of modern technology, geocaching offers a unique way to explore the world around us.
History of Geocaching
According to Geocaching.com, the game of Geocaching apparently was created on May 3rd, 2000 when Dave Ulmer hid a cache and posted the coordinates on the sci.geo.satellite-nav newsgroup. He named his creation the “Great American GPS Stash Hunt” and shared the coordinates online.
The game of geocaching was made possible by the end of Selective Availability which had previously thrown GPS coordinates off by up to 100 meters.
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Playing the geocache game
This game centralizes on three simple rules:
- Find the cache and claim the prize.
- Leave another cache prize behind
- Record the discovery in the log book.
Geocaching involves using GPS devices or smartphone apps to locate hidden containers, known as “geocaches” or “caches,” at specific coordinates all around the world. These containers can vary in size and shape and usually contain a logbook for finders to sign and small trinkets or toys for trading.
The basic idea is to find the cache, sign the logbook, trade items if desired, and then replace the cache exactly as it was found for others to discover.
To get started, participants need a GPS-enabled device or a geocaching smartphone app, a free account on a geocaching website like Geocaching.com, and a sense of adventure. Once equipped, geocachers can search for caches nearby, choosing from a vast database of locations.
Cache descriptions often include hints or puzzles to help locate the hidden treasure.
Where are the geocaches?
Caches can be placed anywhere in the world. Successful caches are placed in locations challenging enough for the seeker but not impossible to find. Most importantly, places accessible both physically and legally to treasure seekers should be sought.
Creating a geocache
Cache locations are logged at the Geocache site. Participants can fill out an online form providing information such as coordinates (WGS84 format)and difficulty of finding the cache. Registration is required but free. There are over 2,000 registered users and the webmaster, Jeremy Irish estimated about 2-3 times that are participating in the game.
What’s in the geocache?
The actual items placed in the cache is entirely up to the person responsible for hiding the cache. Items can range from something as simple as a log book that each person that finds the cache can contribute to.
More generous caches could contain books, CDs or other desirable items.
The items left in the cache are completely up to each person, although common sense and decency dictate that perishable, dangerous of offensive items be omitted. Items are placed in a water-tight container along with a log book and pen to creating a running record of cache-finders.
Where can I find a geocache near me?
Geocache.com has a clickable map on its home page that lists known cache by distance from the point on the map you click. Clicking on a location of the map will bring up a table showing the nearest caches ordered by distance.
Also listed are contact emails, supplemental notes and an “X marks the spot” link to MapBlast. Geocaching.com allows you to search for caches by zipcode or state within the United States and by country worldwide.
Geocaching Resources
Geocaching.com
Find Geocaching sites, join the discussion forum and create your own account to be notified when caches are created near your area
GPS Stash Hunting in Belgium
Geocaching site in Belgium. Map of caching sites worldwide.
TerraCaching
Also known as The “Other” Geocaching Site, TerraCaching.com is an alternative site focusing on quality caches and friendly competition. Getting sponsored is easy, so come on in, the caching is fine.
Suggest a resource by emailing editor@gislounge.com
Other Coordinate Games
The Degree Confluence Project
The object of this game is to visit the intersections of each whole latitude and longitude (e.g. 118° N, 36° E) and take pictures of the site. Photos of visited confluences are posted to the site. According to the site, over 11,650 confluences are still left to be photographed. Field notes on the trials and tribulations of reaching some of the intersections are also logged, make this a great geographical site.
Letterboxing
Letterboxing is a similar concept to the GPS Cache game in that waterproofed treasures are hidden in which clues for its location are provided in the form of coordinates and compass bearings. This game is mostly played in England and in some locations in the United States.
Article first published Jan 23, 2001 and updated on March 2, 2011.
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