Geocaching FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Geocaching:
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.
How do you pronounce Geocaching?
You pronounce it Geo-cashing, like cashing a check.
Are there any other names for Geocaching?
The GPS Stash Hunt, Global Positioning Stash hunt is interchangable. 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.
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.
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. In the meantime, feel free to ask questions in our online forums .
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!
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.
Seriously, if you want to check out some neat technology that does do tracking (and uses GPS units), visit the SecuraTrak web site. They're designing systems to track Alzheimers patients, asset management, fleet management, etc. "
