• What is Geocaching?
  
  Geocache is often referred to as a high-tech treasure hunting game. The game is based on a set of GPS coordinates that are obtained from the internet. In some cases the coordinates are accompanied by a cryptic clue that the hunter will have to solve in order to locate the Geocache. The item is located in a water proof container, and is usually accompanied by a log book to keep a record of visitors and what was taken as well as the replaced item. When Geocaching if you find a Geocache you are suppose to replace what you find with an item of equal or greater value. Also don't forget to sign the log book! The creator of a Geocache is known as the Geocacher, and is responsible for the coordinates of the Geocache as well as inputting relevant information about the new Geocache online.

  
  There are now over 750,000 Geocaches throughout the world.

• History of Geocaching

   In May of 2000 former president Bill Clinton ordered the Selective Availability (SA) of GPS to be turned off. This meant the civilian community could now use GPS with accuracy.  Two days after, a Portland resident by the name of Dave Ulmer hid a bucket of goodies in the woods outside Portland. Mr. Ulmer then posted the GPS coordinates to the USENET newsgroup. The next day someone had located the bucket. Within days Geocaches had been hidden in California, Kansas, and Illinois. After one month a Geocache was found as far away as Australia.

  Before the term “geocaching” was used, the treasure hunting game was known as GPS Stash Hunt. With the growing popularity of the game some felt the use of the word “stash” gave off a negative connotation to what they were promoting. Mike Teaque is credited for coining the term Geocache. After the first month Geocaching had a set of rules, players, lists of sites, webpage, and even an identity. 

  For more information on the history of Geocaching visit: http://geocaching.gpsgames.org/history/

• Materials needed for Geocaching

   

  • Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. This will allow you to input/track the coordinates to help locate the Geocache.

   

  • Access to a computer that is Internet capable. Geocaching requires access to a website (there are several) where you can log in and get coordinates as well as provide updates.

   

  • Geocaching messages boards are helpful in helping you decide what Geocache is right for you. The message boards can be found on the same Geocaching websites.

   

  • Compass. Although not always required a compass can help when navigating  terrain obstacles while attempting to reach your coordinates.

   

  • Know the value. The websites can tell you all you need to know about the Geocache, including a value range.  The rules say that when you find a Geocache you need to replace it with something of equal or greater value. Knowing the value will allow you to pack something comparable for your hunt.

   

  • Have fun! It’s a game enjoy!

• How to navigate the site

  • News

    • Come here first to see what has happened since you last viewed the site.

     

  • Geocaches

    • If you want to find KML files that work with Google Earth, head to this link.  Here you will find different types of Caches.  Physical Caches will give you a KML file of Caches hidden by other users.  Virtual Caches are Caches that send you to coordinates and ask you a question of what you see.  Finally our Personal Caches are Caches the creators of this site have hidden and prizes are attached if you are the first to find them.

     

  • Useful Links

    • If you like this site, here are a few others that you might find useful and fun.

     

  • Documentation

    • Since this is a class project, there were reports and papers to write.  We put all this work into this site, might as well give you a look into what we wrote about this project.  Also it will help future students in the class to look back at past projects for reference, just as we did.

     

  • Contents

    • If for any reason, head here to get a break down of all the pages associated with this site.  We don't want you getting lost.

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Last modified: 05/14/09

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