WHAT IS GEOCACHING?

Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt which uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to hide and seek small items (caches) at different external locations. Similar to orienteering, geocaching involves finding your way through unfamiliar territory in order to discover a cache, or series of caches.

In a typical cache, people place small objects in a container and hide it in the environment. Using a handheld GPS unit, the geocacher then marks the waypoint (the exact point on the surface of the earth represented by named navigational co-ordinates) measured in longitude and latitude. This is then recorded on a website, along with written clues to the location, the contents and the significance of the cache. Other geocachers can then search for the cache by entering the waypoint in their own GPS unit.

Most GPS units are only accurate to within 7-10 meters, so geocachers need to use their intuition, experience and detective skills to find the exact location of the cache. Once found, the geocacher adds something new - this might mean just adding a nickname and date to the log book, or removing an item from the cache and replacing it with something else.

Geocaching involves two separate parties, which are composed either of individuals or groups. One party hides a cache anywhere in the world and records the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates using a portable GPS device. The cache is usually composed of a small plastic container that houses some small items such as toys or coins.

The coordinates and related information regarding the location of the hidden cache are publicized, usually on internet sites such as geocaching.com. Geocachers search for these hidden caches using their own portable GPS devices in conjunction with maps and clues. When they finally discover the cache, they may take a few of the items and leave a few different ones for future geocachers.