Geocaching: 21st Century Treasure Hunting

Geocaching is an activity that consists of using hand-held GPS receivers to locate a cache, or treasure, that has been hidden. The activity was originally developed by Dave Ulmer in May of 2000 near Portland, Oregon. The basic premise of geocaching is that the hider puts a cache in a container and hides it in a certain location. The geographical coordinates of that location are determined by the use of a GPS receiver. This information is then posted to a geocaching listing service on the internet. The hider of the cache may also list more information about the location of the cache, including a description of the location area and/or other clues. Participants wishing to search for a cache enter the location coordinates into their GPS receivers and use the coordinates and location clues to hunt for the treasure. When the cache is found, the articles inside are taken by the treasure hunter and new ones are put in their place. This ensures that everyone who discovers a hidden cache will be rewarded with something more than just an empty container.

The main equipment used in geocaching is a hand-held GPS receiver to obtain location coordinates to place a cache and to search for one. Topographic maps of the cache location are also important when searching, as are any clues left by the cache placer. To find out where a treasure is located one would first conduct a search on a geocaching listing service online. The location is listed by the latitude and longitude coordinates. The coordinates of the cache are entered into the GPS receiver. Then, using the GPS receiver and topographic maps of the area and any other clues about the area, the treasure hunt can begin.

Geocaching with Garmin

Magellan’s GPS Site

Dr. Christie's GPS and Geocaching Guide for Educators

Finding a Geocache

Geocaching Supplies

The Cache Shack

Hidden caches are most often placed in sturdy water-proof containers. The treasures inside are most often small, inexpensive items along with a log book so that cache finders can record the discovery of the cache. Toys, local souvenirs, and other small objects appear to be the most common types of items found, but occasionally larger items or even expensive or rare items may also be found. Disposable cameras are also popular items placed in a cache. The purpose is for the treasure hunter to take a picture of themselves with the cache. Later on when the camera is full, the cache hider can develop the photos and place them on their own web site or on the listing site. The treasures one can find in a cache are limitless and depend only on who has placed that cache, and practically everyone can hide a cache. The only requirements are that the caches are not buried in the ground, that they are placed on public lands, or private land with permission, and that the objects placed are considered safe for all, as children often accompany their families in this activity.

Geocaching: High-tech Hide-and-Seek

High-tech Treasure Hunt

Cache In, Cache Out

Treasure Trackers

Geocache

Due to the minimal equipment needed for participation, geocaching can be a wonderful activity to enjoy with one’s family, a group, or even alone. Its appeal is widespread from hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, treasure hunters, scouting groups, down to families and individuals. New forms of the activity are also emerging. One such form is called geodashing. This is a game played on a global playing field. GPS location coordinates, also called waypoints, are picked randomly by a computer, and the object of the game is to be the first person or team to reach the most waypoints in a specified amount of time.

The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

GPS Games

Geocacher University

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