Geocaching In Atlantic Canada

Canada’s 1st ‘Geocache’GCBBA (GC41) Hwy #103 Exit #7Placed by: Ken Kane (eastriver)

Presented by: Atlantic Canada Geocaching Association

AgendaAgenda

• What is Geocaching?• GPS Technology in General• Types of Geocaches• How to Get Started• Before You Leave• Etiquette• Cammo Techniques• Trackables• Wrap-up Q&A

What is Geocaching?What is Geocaching?

• Geocaching is an outdoor scavenger hunt using satellites and a handheld GPSr.

• The basic idea is to hide caches (small containers of treasures) and share the locations (coordinates) of these caches on Geocaching.com. This game is played in over 220 countries of the world.

What is Geocaching?What is Geocaching?

• GPS users can then use the coordinates to find any cache.

• Once found, the visitor may take something from the cache, leave something, and sign the logbook.

• The ‘find’ is then logged by the cache’s name on geocaching.com. Here statistics about found and hidden caches are maintained.

How Did It Get Started?How Did It Get Started?

• On May 1, 2000, the GPS signal degradation called Select Availability (SA) was removed.

• The change allowed GPS units owned by civilians to now be accurate to within as close as 6 feet.

• On May 3rd, someone hid a ‘cache’ in Oregon. It was visited twice within 3 days and logged in the log book once.

Global Positioning SystemGlobal Positioning System

• GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position.

• Satellites transmit their current position down to Earth via radio waves.

Global Positioning SystemGlobal Positioning System

What is a GPS?What is a GPS?

A GPSr (Global Positioning System receiver) is an electronic device that you use to determine your approximate location (within 6-20 feet) almost anywhere on the planet.

What is a GPS?What is a GPS?

• The GPSr knows where the satellites are and can geometrically tell you your position. It also tracks time, and can calculate distance, speed, direction, and even elevation.

• You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location.

What is a GPS?What is a GPS?

• Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, altimeters, and even voice navigation.

• Don’t worry though, a GPS device doesn’t send signals, it only receives them. So . . . no one can track your location!

GPS options to considerGPS options to consider

• WAAS/DGPS• Computer interface• Power source options• Color screen• Backlit screen• External antenna jack • Screen size• Electronic compass• Altimeter

• Cost versus features• Waterproof• Ruggedness• Type of batteries/ how many/operational time• Type of keypad/data entry• Basemap• Optional maps• Memory size/expansion

Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Garmin GPSMap 60CSx Screenshots using XImageScreenshots using XImage

Satellites

Data

Compass Long Lake Sydney

Find Page Geocache Geocache

Types of CachesTypes of Caches

• Traditional• Multicaches• Puzzle/Mystery• Webcam• Event Caches• Cache In Trash Out Events • Earth Cache

Size of CachesSize of Caches

MICRO

Size of CachesSize of Caches

SMALL

Size of CachesSize of Caches

REGULAR

Size of CachesSize of Caches

LARGE

Where do you find a Where do you find a Geocache?Geocache?

Nova Scotia at 70km rangeNova Scotia at 70km range

How do you start How do you start Geocaching?Geocaching?

Create A New AccountCreate A New Account

www.geocaching.comwww.geocaching.com

Search Types

• By Postal Code - Postal Codes are available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia

• By Coordinate - Coordinates contain a latitude and longitude to determine a position on the planet

• By State/Country - Select a State and/or country to search

www.geocaching.comwww.geocaching.com Search Types• By Username (Found)/(Hidden) - Searches

the database for items either found or hidden by a username.

• By Keyword - A simple wildcard keyword search on the Item's name. "Iron Horse" will search for "Iron Horse" and not "Iron" and "Horse"

• By Waypoint Name - Searches the database for items that match a particular waypoint name. A cache waypoint name starts with "GC" and can be found on every cache listing as a quick reference

Geocaching GlossaryGeocaching Glossary

• FTF -first to find• Muggle- non-cacher (may destroy cache)• TFTC -Thanks for the cache• TFTH -Thanks for the hunt• TNLN -Took Nothing/ Left Nothing• TNLNSL / TNSL -Took Nothing. Left Nothing.

Signed Logbook • Swag – Goodies for the cache

Geocaching GlossaryGeocaching Glossary

• Waypoint -coordinates representing points on the surface of the Earth.

• Waypoint –longitude and latitude of cache

• Waypoint – Groundspeak name of cache

• i.e. GCXXXX.

• Spoiler -gives away details of a cache location and can ruin the experience of the hunt.

Before You LeaveBefore You Leave

• Study Cache sheet• Type• Size• Found recently• Previous cacher’s clues

• Download waypoint manual/auto• Research location

• Maps• Google earth• Decrypt hint/spoilers

• Try Parks or spots you know

Short HikesShort Hikes

• Printout of cache listing• Water• Snack• Extra clothes for Changing Conditions• Swag• GPS distances are direct. Real distances

may be far greater• Mark your Vehicle or Entrance Spot• Use Backtrack for Practice

Longer HikesLonger Hikes

• Bring– Map – Compass– Buddy– Cell Phone– Emergency Whistle– Travel First Aid Kit

• Tell somebody where you are going, when you will be back

• Wear Hunter’s Orange

• Carry Extra Batteries

Distances are often greater than the GPSr indicates. Line of sight 1.2 km.

Walking path 2.5 km

The HuntThe Hunt

• At 20-40 Meters use Distance (not arrow)• Zero out on Coords, Circle Outwards to find cache• Look for Geocache Hotspots

• Stumps• Tree Branches• Piles of Rocks• Piles of Branches

• Be Aware of Surroundings• Insect Nests• Holes• Railway Tracks• Animals

At the CacheAt the Cache

Sign the Log

At the CacheAt the Cache

What Not To Put in a CacheWhat Not To Put in a Cache

• Food or Dog Treats

• Alcohol

• Sharp Items (knives, needles)

• Liquids (soap, water, hand lotion, shampoo)

• Scented Items (candles)

• Ballpoint Pens

• No Chaulk

At the CacheAt the Cache

Re-hide Better Than You Found It

At the CacheAt the Cache

Re-hide Better Than You Found It

At the CacheAt the Cache

Re-hide Better Than You Found It

At the CacheAt the Cache

Re-hide Better Than You Found It

I’m Lost!!!I’m Lost!!!

• If you get lost, don’t forget that you marked (or should have marked) your location when you started.

• Search for the Waypoint you marked, select GOTO or BACKTRACK and head back to civilization!

• Don’t forget to have extra batteries

Break & Break & StretchStretch

GCJR8HGCJR8H

CachingCaching EtiquetteEtiquette

• Never move the cache • Cover it well, e-mail owner, move off-trail slightly

• Carry a cache rescue kit• Ziplock bags, pencil, small log book, dry cloth

• Take care of the cache• Close all bags, place logbook in bag, close cache properly.

Take pictures but not spoilers.

• Move travel bugs and coins along promptly

• Write appropriate comments when logging

Geocaching and the Geocaching and the Environment Environment

CITO- Cache in Trash Out

When you visit a cache leave only footprints but take out any garbage you find.

Goals• Actively promote the Cache In Trash Out program.• Assist in the maintenance of parks & trail systems.• Increase public awareness of Geocaching.

Cammo TechniquesCammo Techniques

• Universal colour, black non-glare

• Cammo material– Duct tape– Paint– Natural material

• Hang container up high

• Over an embankment

• Suspend under a fallen tree

Natural MaterialNatural Material

Duct tape suspendedDuct tape suspended

Peanut Butter JarPeanut Butter Jar

Black Duct Tape UpBlack Duct Tape Up

NoveltyNovelty

Explore the OutdoorsExplore the Outdoors

GC575F GCPMQA

Explore the OutdoorsExplore the Outdoors

GCQ2PMGCH2KG

Explore the OutdoorsExplore the Outdoors

GC2E80 GCT7H3

Travel BugsTravel Bugs

• Trackable tag that you attach to any item

• Item becomes a hitchhiker that is carried from cache to cache

• Cachers log it in and out so you follow it’s progress online

• You receive two tags, one to attach one as a copy

How to Pick Up a Travel Bug How to Pick Up a Travel Bug

• Get the Tracking NumberGet the Tracking Number

• Visit the Travel Bug's Page Visit the Travel Bug's Page

• Found it? Log it!Found it? Log it!

How to Drop a Travel BugHow to Drop a Travel Bug

• Go to the Cache Listing

• Select "log a cache"

• Write log message

• Scroll down

• Select the travel bug that was dropped

How /WhyWhy you discover a TB

• Get tracking Number• Visit TB’s home page• Found it, Log it• Enter ‘Discovered it’• Allows for icon to be placed on your account.

Many cachers discover at events.• Cuts time in entering ‘Found it’/ ‘Dropped it’

Geo-coinsGeo-coins

Tracked the same as a Travel bug

Geo-coinsGeo-coins

Coins can be Discovered

To Activate a Travel BugTo Activate a Travel Bug

• Logon to www.geocaching.com• Click on track travel bug • Enter tracking number on tag• Enter activation code on bag• Activate TB

Geocaching Software ToolsGeocaching Software Tools

• Google Earth- Provides satellite images. Gives you a picture of cache area

• EasyGPS- Waypoint management and download tool

• GSAK- Waypoint management and download tool. More detailed info. Premium membership gives pocket queries.

• Cachemate- Waypoint management for handhelds- Palm and Pocket PC

SAFETY in the Woods (again)SAFETY in the Woods (again)

BRING:• Map, Compass, Buddy, Cell phone/ 2 way radio/FRS• Whistle, knife, matches• Extra batteries• Tell someome where you are going. Mark your start,

trackback• Dress in layers• Stay dry, shelter from wind (tarp, orange garbage bags)• Consider a woods survival course or read a book on

survival (hunters’ guide)

1 Ontario 6569

2 Quebec 6061

3 British Columbia 5224

4 New Brunswick 3115

5 Alberta 2950

6 Nova Scotia 2854

7 Manitoba 1046

8 Newfoundland & Labrador 860

9 Saskatchewan 452

10 Prince Edward Island 250

11 Yukon Territory 64

12 Northwest Territories 39

13 Nunavut 17

Canadian Total Increasing every day

Let’s Go Find A Geocache!Let’s Go Find A Geocache!

Geocachers From Atlantic Geocachers From Atlantic CanadaCanada

Geocachers From Atlantic Geocachers From Atlantic CanadaCanada

Geocachers From Atlantic Geocachers From Atlantic CanadaCanada

Geocachers From Atlantic Geocachers From Atlantic CanadaCanada

Questions?Questions?

I should be outside

Geocaching

Thanks for joining us.