Hands On with Geospatial Technology
How to Place a Geocache
Geocaching 2D
Requirements:
Computer with internet connectivity
Login at http://www.geocaching.com (You will need an email)
GPS receiver
Waterproof container
Logbook
Optional:
Pencil or pen - depending on cache size
Small items to trade
Tips for Getting Started:
You may place the cache before reviewer permission is granted (see online form)
if you have followed all guidelines! Be especially careful to have permission from
the landowner, safe locations, and not within .10 mile (as the crow flies) from
another cache.
ASK
Have you had experience finding geocaches?
Do you want to place some geocaches in your community for others to find?
INVESTIGATE
Where could you place a geocache?
By placing a geocache in your community, you not only
contribute to the sport, but you can share special places
that otherwise people wouldn’t see. You might be surprised
how many cachers will travel to your town if you create
geocaches for them to find! Be sure that the locations you
choose are places that won’t mind strangers coming to visit.
What places are of interest in your area?
Ideas are: public places like parks, near historical sites or old buildings,
churches, landmarks, or any other places where you can hide something neat.
Regulations for cache placement are listed on the http://www.geocaching.com
page and are discussed further in the next section. Be sure to follow all
guidelines and regulations, and if you place a cache, to maintain it.
CREATE
1. Go to http:www.geocaching.com
2. Log in (this is a safe site. You will need to set up an account using your
email.)
3. On the upper left, click “Hide & Seek a Cache”
4. Look at the upper-right of this page, under “Hide a Cache”. There are
three important areas in this section. Click and review each of them to
prepare for your cache placement.
a. “How to hide a geocache” – really good information about what
you need to do
i. Research a Cache Location
ii. Preparing Your Cache
iii. Placing Your Cache
iv. Submitting your Cache
v. Maintaining your Cache
b. “Cache Listing Requirements and Guidelines”
i. Off-limit caches
ii. Cache types/sizes
iii. General guidelines – maintenance, contents, etc.
iv. Cache saturation – not within .10 mile of other caches
v. CITO events (Cache In Trash Out)
vi. And more!!
c. “Online form”
i. Looking at this will help you gather necessary information.
ii. You will need:
1. Cache name
2. Coordinates
3. Difficulty and terrain rating (explained on this form)
4. Hint (is encrypted automatically)
5. And more!!
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iii. Once you have all the information, fill out the online form.
iv. When the form is completed, note the area shown at the
very end of the form. You must check both boxes and click
on “Review New Listing” to submit the form.
Hint: check your spelling!!!! It would be embarrassing to have spelling errors on
your cache page.
DISCUSS
Were you able to follow the online form directions?
Did geospatial concepts you have already learned (like GPS receiver use,
latitude and longitude coordinates, etc.) assist in information-gathering for filling
out the form?
Was your geocache posted? If so, congratulations!!!
REFLECT
How can knowledge gained in this activity help you in the future?
Happy Geocaching!!
Author: Barb Roberts, University of Illinois Extension, youth development
educator, Lawrence/Richland Unit
Date: March 24, 2009
Source: http://www.geocaching.com
University of Illinois  U.S. Department of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to
participate in this program, please contact the county Extension office.
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