Hands On with Geospatial Technology
“Let’s go Geocaching!”
Curriculum Section 2A
Requirements:
 Computer/internet connectivity
 http://www.geocaching.com
 GPS unit
 Email address
Tips for Getting Started:
 If you haven’t already done so, read the information on the link below to
help you prepare thoroughly and safely:
http://www.geocaching.com/about/finding.aspx
 A geocache page tells you if the terrain is easy (one star) or extremely
strenuous (five stars) or somewhere in between, so you can be prepared.
It also can make you aware of possible safety issues including thorns,
poison ivy, etc. Avoid areas that appear unsafe and never cache alone.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game which can be played all
over the world. You can discover caches in your community or on vacation
by entering latitude and longitude coordinates into a global positioning system
unit (GPS). It can be a fun activity to do with friends or family, and can help
you discover all kinds of neat places that you would never see if you weren’t a
geocacher.
ASK
Do you like scavenger hunts and adventure? Do you want to explore new
places?
CREATE
1. Go to: http://www.geocaching.com
2. Register for a free account. In order to see the coordinates, you must
create a log-in and provide your email. This is a safe site.
3. Under “Search for Geocaches” enter your zip code and click ”Go”. A page
will appear showing caches in your area.
4. There is much information on the page.
a. You can see how far away the caches are, and in what
direction.
b. Icons tell you what type of geocache:
mystery, traditional, multi-cache, or
other. You will learn about these as
you gain experience geocaching.
c. Caches can be small or large as shown by the red dots on the
size icon.
d. Some caches contain trackable items like geocoins or travel
bugs (TB) indicated by icons. If you are lucky enough to find
one, log it online as your find, move it to another cache and
track it!!! Click on “trackable items” on the upper left for a link.
5. Choose any geocache on the list and click on it. Note the caches
unique GC number at the upper right. This page gives lots of specific
information:
a. Latitude and longitude coordinates
b. A small Yahoo map – click to enlarge
c. Difficulty and terrain ratings in red stars so you know how
accessible it will be
d. Attributes of the location (parking, poison ivy, etc.)
e. Hints written in code may help you find the cache!
f. Logs of people who have recently found the cache are shown–
sometimes you can find hints in logs and posted photos.
6. Enter the coordinates of your chosen geocache into your GPS unit,
and GO!!!
a. You must be moving for the unit to work.
b. Be aware of signal interference from buildings, overhead electric
lines, leafy tree cover and bodies of water.
c. The unit will take you within 10 to 30 ft. of the cache, IF the
coordinates are accurate.
d. Look up, down, for something unusual or out of place.
7. When you find your geocache, sign the logbook and return the
geocache to its original location.
8. Later when online, be sure to log your successful find. Your account
automatically keeps track of your finds!
9. If you pick up a trackable item, log this under trackable items AND put
it in your narrative log. Each geocoin or TB has a number on it; without
that, you cannot register your trackable find. After you place a geocoin
or travel bug in a cache, later as you are writing your online log entry, it
will give you the option to click on a trackable item to automatically
leave it at that geocache.
AFTERWARDS, DON’T FORGET TO LOG YOUR VISIT AND TO LOG
TRACKABLE ITEMS YOU FOUND!!!!
Related Weblinks:
http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx describes cache types
http://www.geocaching.com/track/ enables you to log your travel bug and geocoin
finds, and to track them!
Author: Barb Roberts, Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois
Extension, Lawrence/Richland Unit.
Date: Feb. 23, 2009
University of Illinois  U.S. Department of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating
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