A high-tech treasure hunt in which trinkets are stored in a waterproof container ("geocache") that can be located in the wilderness or in a public venue, typically not in plain view. The GPS coordinates of the cache are published on the geocaching Web site, and the object of the hunt is to locate the cache and enter your name in the log book as well as move objects from one cache to the next. In addition, geocachers may want to share their experiences online. Like a traditional treasure hunt, the contents of one geocache may provide the coordinates to the next one. As of mid-2008, there were more than 600,000 geocaches around the world.
Trackable Travel Bugs and Geocoins
A major goal of geocaching is to track an object as it moves across the country or around the world. In order to track the movement, Groundspeak, Inc., the founder of the geocaching Web site, developed the "Travel Bug," a physical tag with an identifying number. Groundspeak also issues ranges of IDs for minting "geocoins," which are commemorative coins with tracking numbers, and other sites have issued their own geocoins. When geocachers find Travel Bugs and geocoins, they post their IDs online to update the trackable's new geocache location. For more information, visit www.geocaching.com. See portable GPS.
Specialized for Geocaching
Although any portable GPS can be used to locate a geocache by entering latitude and longitude, Garmin worked with Groundspeak to enable coordinates and descriptions to be downloaded to Garmin units via a USB connection to the computer. In addition, geocache data can be transferred wireless between two Garmin users in close proximity. (Image courtesy of Garmin Ltd, www.garmin.com)
Trackable Travel Bugs and Geocoins
A major goal of geocaching is to track an object as it moves across the country or around the world. In order to track the movement, Groundspeak, Inc., the founder of the geocaching Web site, developed the "Travel Bug," a physical tag with an identifying number. Groundspeak also issues ranges of IDs for minting "geocoins," which are commemorative coins with tracking numbers, and other sites have issued their own geocoins. When geocachers find Travel Bugs and geocoins, they post their IDs online to update the trackable's new geocache location. For more information, visit www.geocaching.com. See portable GPS.
Specialized for Geocaching
Although any portable GPS can be used to locate a geocache by entering latitude and longitude, Garmin worked with Groundspeak to enable coordinates and descriptions to be downloaded to Garmin units via a USB connection to the computer. In addition, geocache data can be transferred wireless between two Garmin users in close proximity. (Image courtesy of Garmin Ltd, www.garmin.com)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- OkMap 7.5.4 (Windows)
- OkMap is a free software for many outdoor activities: Trekking Off road Mountain bike Sailing Hunting and fishing Finding mushrooms Soft air Geocaching. OkMap help you to: Calibrate vectorial and raster maps with different types of cartographic projections. Create own digital maps drawing point, multipoint, polyline and polygon vector. Display...
- Software downloads 2009-11-18
- Mapyx Quo 2.1.3 (Windows)
- Quo is an intuitive, easy to learn and, surprisingly simple-to-use digital mapping program which enables you to connect your GPS to your PC and manage all your waypoints, routes and tracks. View information such as elevation, distance, speed, ETA and many more. Quo supports numerous formats: Google Earth KML (*.kml),...
- Software downloads 2009-11-17
- Garmin Communicator Plugin 2.9.1 (Mac)
- The Garmin Communicator Plugin allows your Garmin GPS to communicate with any supported website: send your zumo rides to Garmin Connect, plan your trips with Google Maps and MapQuest, find your favorite caches with Geocaching.com and so much more. Communication with your Garmin GPS just got easier thanks to the...
- Software downloads 2009-11-11
- mySpots for iPhone 2.4 (Mobile)
- mySpots for iPhone lets you quickly manage and share multiple locations in a single application. Quickly capture your current location and customize it with a name, pin color, photo, and notes. You can also enter a major attraction or address in advance. It features customize categories with names and icons...
- Software downloads 2009-10-15
- SpotBerry 2.0 (for Storm) (Mobile)
- Empower your Blackberry's GPS with SpotBerry software. SpotBerry provides you with a compass, a speedometer and a track log recorder. Getting directions, saving points of interests and recording your routs become easier with SpotBerry. Moreover, your handheld obtains several professional GPS Navigation functions such as speed limit alarm and unique...
- Software downloads 2009-10-09
- SpotBerry 2.0 (non touch screen) (Mobile)
- Empower your Blackberry's GPS with SpotBerry software. SpotBerry provides you with a compass, a speedometer and a track log recorder. Getting directions, saving points of interests and recording your routs become easier with SpotBerry. Moreover, your handheld obtains several professional GPS Navigation functions such as speed limit alarm and unique...
- Software downloads 2009-10-07
- EasyGPS 3.53 (Windows)
- EasyGPS allows you to transfer waypoints, routes, and tracks between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS. EasyGPS lists all of your waypoints on the left side of the screen, and shows a plot of your GPS data on the right. Use EasyGPS to back up and organize...
- Software downloads 2009-10-04
- GCStatistic 1.6 (Mac)
- GCStatistic is an easy to use geocaching statistics tool. You can choose between the generation of a standalone html file or an automated upload to your geocaching.com profile. Simply select the gpx file with your finds and select the section you would like to see in the output. To name...
- Software downloads 2009-10-03
- GCStatistic 1.6 (Windows)
- GCStatistic is an easy to use geocaching statistics tool. You can choose between the generation of a standalone HTML file or an automated upload to your geocaching.com profile. Simply select the gpx file with your finds and select the section you would like to see in the output.
- Software downloads 2009-10-03
- MacGPS Pro 8.5 (Mac)
- MacGPS Pro is Mac software for communicating with GPS Receivers and viewing your position on moving digital maps and nautical charts. These images can be viewed with no GPS receiver connected or used in real-time as a moving-map display of your current position and velocity.It imports maps from a wide...
- Software downloads 2009-10-01
- Geocaching 2.3.1 (Mobile)
- Geocaching is a global treasure hunting game where participants locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share their experience online.Groundspeak's Geocaching Application provides real-time, direct access to Geocaching.com's database of worldwide geocaches, the largest in the world.
- Software downloads 2009-09-25
- GoogleEarthTweaker 1.08 (Windows)
- If you use Google Earth to prepare for your Geocaching trips, then you'll know that it's often difficult to find the right caches and to see which ones you already visited. This program makes it easier by preparing your GPX files for Google Earth. Now you can see which caches...
- Software downloads 2009-09-24
- GEObsession 0.6.0 (Mac)
- GEObsession allows you to manage your past and present geocaching activities. It is integrated with geocaching.com and google maps. Support for LOC and GPX files is included, along with upload/download support for Garmin and Magellan GPS units USB only.
- Software downloads 2009-09-08
- Simple GPS 1.1 (Mobile)
- Simple GPS is a GPS display for the iPhone. Just launch it and get your coordinates within seconds. Great for geocaching, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Tell your friends where you are. Tap Email and send them a link to your location. When they open it on their phones,...
- Software downloads 2009-07-03
- iGeoCacher 1.18 (Mobile)
- Cache information from several popular data formats is now stored directly in the local SQLite database making true off-line paperless geocaching a reality for the iPhone. This also enfranchises the iPod Touch users as they can now view geocache information off line. Users of the new 3G iPhone will also...
- Software downloads 2009-06-17
- Geomate.jr
- Designed to get kids away from their video games and into the great outdoors, the Geomate.jr is like the Easy-Bake Oven of handheld GPS devices. It is a simple handheld device that distills the GPS experience down to its core function, telling you where to go, and adds a fun...
- Product reviews 2009-05-14
- Geocache Manager 1.0b2 (Windows)
- Geocache Manager is an intuitive geocache management and planning tool. Manage all your Geocaches from one place. Send only the caches you want to your GPS receiver. When you're done Geocaching, download them to Geocache Manager to automatically update your finds. Import Geocaches from queries, .loc or .gpx files. View...
- Software downloads 2009-05-04
- Geocache Manager 1.0b2 (Mac)
- Geocache Manager is an intuitive geocache management and planning tool. Manage all your Geocaches from one place. Send only the caches you want to your GPS receiver. When you're done Geocaching, download them to Geocache Manager to automatically update your finds. Import Geocaches from queries, .loc or .gpx files....
- Software downloads 2009-05-04
- Calorie GPS 1.0 (Mobile)
- RNS:: Calorie GPS is the first caloric consumption calculator for Windows Mobile devices that provides fairly accurate statistics based on the GPS readings and a few user-defined factors.The GPS readings include distance travelled, current velocity, acceleration changes, and can also include altitude changes.The factors include body weight, terrain characteristics, and...
- Software downloads 2009-04-24
- Geocache Navigator by Trimble (Mobile)
- IMPORTANT NOTES:You must enter your BlackBerry PIN when purchasing this product. Please make sure to read the Program registration information.Verizon Wireless BlackBerry devices are not supported.Description|Key features|Videos|Quotes|Program registrationGeocache Navigator offers you a fun and easy way to enjoy a hugely popular hide and seek game called geocaching (also known as...
- Software downloads 2009-03-12
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