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FAQ Excerpts from
Geocaching.com
See:
Geocaching FAQ 1. What is
Geocaching?
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in
a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and
capability of a GPS unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and
organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of
these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location
coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor
with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they
get something they should try to leave something for the cache.
2. How do you pronounce
Geocaching?
You pronounce it
Geo-cashing, like cashing a check.
3. Are there any other names for
Geocaching?
The GPS Stash Hunt, Global
Positioning Stash hunt is interchangeable. Geocaching has become the
standard for the game, however.
The word Geocaching broken out is GEO for geography, and CACHING for the
process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually
stored in memory to make it faster to retrieve, but the term is also used in
hiking/camping as a hiding place for concealing and preserving provisions.
4. So what's the big deal? You gave me the coordinates so I know where
it is. Seems pretty easy.
It is deceptively easy.
It's one thing to see where an item is, it's a totally different story to
actually get there.
5. What is a
GPS device?
A GPS
unit is a electronic device that can determine your approximate location
(within around 6-20 feet) on the planet. Coordinates are normally given in
Longitude and Latitude. You can use the unit to navigate from your current
location to another location. Some units have their own maps, built-in
electronic compasses, voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the
device.
You don't need to know all
the technical mumbo jumbo about GPS units to play Geocaching. All you need
to do is be able to enter what is called a "waypoint" where the geocache is
hidden. We're working on a section to help you set up your own GPS unit to
play.
6. How do GPS devices work?
If you're interested in
finding more information about Global Positioning Systems, check out
GPS: The New Navigation by PBS. They have an excellent Shockwave and/or
web page that explains how GPS works!
7.
So if I have a GPS unit, someone can track where I am (and where I'm going)?
No! GPS devices do not actually broadcast your location. The satellites
using radio frequencies actually broadcast their own position. Your
GPS unit takes that information to figure out where you are (triangulation).
Unless you have a tracking
system implanted by aliens, you should be safe from the satellites above. As
an extra precaution, however, you can put aluminum foil on your head to
deflect the "gamma" beams.
8. How
much does a GPS unit cost, and where can I get one?
GPS Units can range from $100 to $1000 depending on the kind
of capabilities you are looking for. A basic entry-level unit is the
Garmin eTrex , which runs for around $100, and can get you to within
20 feet of any geocache (depending on the location). The next step is one
with a built-in electronic compass, has topographic maps, more memory, etc.
For more information, check
out Geocaching.com's guide to
purchasing a GPS unit for Geocaching or see our group's own
recommendations on our GAGA
Geocaching Info page.
You can usually find GPS
units at any boat supply store, and some camping stores keep GPS units on
hand. You can also purchase them online through
Amazon.com and camping supply companies. Also, we have added a
bunch of purchasing resource links on our
Public Site External Links
9. How do I use a GPS unit for Geocaching?
If you need to get a basic instruction on how to use a GPS unit, try the
book
GPS
Made Easy : Using Global Positioning Systems in the Outdoors.
To play, you'll need to
know how to enter waypoints into your GPS unit. We're currently working on
instructions for each particular GPS unit. In the meantime, your GPS should
come with instructions on how to enter a waypoint.
10. What are the rules in Geocaching?
Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very
simple:
1. Take something from
the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook
Where you place a cache is
up to you.
For more information,
Check out GAGA's
"Geocaching Information" page!
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