Introduction to Geocaching at Carroll Community College N39 31.890' - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Introduction to Geocaching at Carroll Community College N39 31.890' - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Introduction to Geocaching at Carroll Community College N39 31.890' W076 59.490' (WGS84) 1 Introduction to Geocaching at Carroll Community College Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity that uses global positioning system (GPS)

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N39° 31.890' W076° 59.490'

(WGS84)

Introduction to Geocaching

at Carroll Community College

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Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity that uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to hunt for and find a “cache” that has been hidden by another geocacher. Learn what geocaching is, where hidden caches are, how to find them, and how to get involved in the community of Geocaching. Go on an actual cache hunt during class! No equipment or geocaching background is necessary to participate in this course. Sun., Mar. 29, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Introduction to Geocaching

at Carroll Community College

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What is Geocaching?

  • Treasure Hunting for GPS Users
  • Cache (Container)
  • The Players (Geocachers)
  • Hiders are People who Hide Caches
  • Read Guidelines for hiding caches
  • Hide the cache
  • Mark Coordinates of Cache in GPS
  • Post Coordinates of New Cache to the website
  • Reviewers
  • Approve/publish newly hidden caches
  • Verify that caches meet certain guidelines
  • Finders
  • Access Coordinates of Caches from Site
  • Enter Coordinates into GPS
  • Find the cache using GPS and sign the log
  • Post their finds on the website.
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Simple Rules of Geocaching

  • If you take something from the cache,

leave something of equal or greater value.

  • Write about your find experience in the

cache logbook.

  • Log your find at www.geocaching.com.
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The Tools of the Sport

  • Access to the Web (http://www.geocaching.com)
  • Email Account is needed to Register an account
  • GPS
  • Extra Batteries
  • Stash Items – Things to put in a cache
  • Pen or Pencil to sign the log book
  • Tweezers (for pulling out miniature log sheets)
  • Camera (Sometimes needed for Virtual Caches)
  • Cell Phone (for safety)
  • Pruners (for cutting through heavy brush)
  • Map and Compass (for a safety backup)
  • Whistle (for safety)
  • Orange Vest (used during hunting season)
  • Cache Repair items
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Main Features

  • Satellite Reception
  • Navigation by Compass Pointer
  • r by Map Screen
  • Maps

(Base Map, Street Map, Topo Map)

  • Mark or Find Waypoints
  • Lay Tracks

The GPS Receiver

(Global Positioning System)

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Longitude and Latitude

Latitude and longitude are used for locating any desired place on a map. Latitude (shown as a horizontal line) is the angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and seconds of a point north or south of the Equator. Lines of latitude are often referred to as parallels. Longitude (shown as a vertical line) is the angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and seconds, of a point east or west of the Prime (Greenwich) Meridian. Lines of longitude are often referred to as meridians.

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Cache Types Sizes

Micro

35 mm film canister or smaller – less than approximately 3 ounces

  • - typically containing only a logbook

Small

Sandwich-sized Tupperware-style container or similar -- less than approximately 1 quart

  • - holds trade items as well as a logbook

Regular

Tupperware-style container or ammo can

Large

5 gallon bucket or larger

Other

Not Specified by the hider

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Cache Containers - Regular

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Cache Containers

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Cache Containers – Micro Bison Tube

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Cache Containers – Micro

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Cache Containers - Nano

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Cache Containers

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May 1, 2000 1 active cache in the United States December 6, 2009 953,077 active caches worldwide with 74,414 account holders .

How Many Caches Exist?

Active Caches

200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000 Jan-00 Jan-01 Jan-02 Jan-03 Jan-04 Jan-05 Jan-06 Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09

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Where Are They Located?

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Caches in the United States

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Caches in Carroll County

As of March 21, 2009

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  • 1. Go to www.geocaching.com and register for a free account.
  • 2. Click “Hide & Seek a Cache.”
  • 3. Enter your zip code and click “Search.”
  • 4. Choose any cache from the list and click on its name.
  • 5. Enter the coordinates (waypoint) of a cache into your GPS receiver.
  • 6. Follow the direction arrow on the receiver until you find the hidden cache.

Geocaching in Six Easy Steps

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Primary site for Geocaching is http://geocaching.com

Getting Started with Geocaching

Click on

Getting Started

Enter

http://geocaching.com

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Register / Setup your account

Two Types of Memberships

  • Basic Membership (Free)
  • Premium Membership (Paid $30/year )

Getting Started – Register As a Member

One time Process

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Getting Started – Register as a Member

Premium Member Features

  • Download up to 500 waypoints at

a time using Pocket Queries. Premium members receive 5 Pocket Queries a day!

  • Send cache info to GPS with full
  • descriptions. No paper needed

(paperless caching).

  • Search for geocaches along a

route on your next road trip.

  • Be the first to find a geocache.

Receive Instant Notifications about newly published geocaches.

  • Access “Members Only” caches

Choose Basic Membership

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Enter the Required fields * Scroll down. Read and accept the terms. Click on “Create My Account”

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  • Look up cache locations on Website

http://www.geocaching.com

  • Login
  • Search by Zip Code area, Cache Name, Waypoint,

Or Search by Nearby caches

  • Read or Print out Cache Sheet
  • Enter or download the Geocache Waypoint in the GPS
  • Be safe – Mark a waypoint for your car.
  • Find cache by following GPS directions to waypoint
  • Sign the logbook or log sheet in the cache
  • Log/Record your discovery on http://geocaching.com

How to Find a Cache?

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http://www.Geocaching.com

Click Hide and Seek for advance Searches OR Enter Zip Code or Coordinates Login

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1,075 caches within a 25 mile radius! 5,131 caches within 50 miles Member Only Disabled Contains a Travel Bug

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Sample Cache Sheet

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Sample Cache Sheet

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Sample Cache Sheet

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  • 1. Select Mark button to begin process
  • 2. Select Waypoint Icon
  • 3. Enter Name
  • 4. Enter Note/Comment
  • 5. Enter Location Coordinates
  • btained from cache sheet

Create or Mark a Waypoint

Press Mark to begin

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Download or Send Waypoints - One at a Time

  • 1. Connect GPS to Computer

with USB cable.

  • 2. Click Send to GPS
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Download or Send Waypoints - 500 at a Time

  • 1. Must be a premium Member
  • 2. Create a Pocket Query
  • 3. Receive file by Email
  • 4. Save the File to PC
  • 5. Unzip the file
  • 6. Connect GPS to Computer

with USB cable.

  • 7. Transfer GPX file to GPS
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Pocket Queries for Premium Members

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  • Waypoints
  • Geocache
  • Cities
  • Points of Interest
  • Food, Lodging

“Find” or Go to “Geocaches” or “Where To?”

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  • Waypoints are listed
  • Each will show a

Bearing & Distance

Find

Nearest Geocache

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  • Icon
  • Name or Waypoint
  • Note
  • Location Coordinates
  • Elevation
  • Bearing
  • Distance

Waypoint Info

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Find a Waypoint Using A Compass

  • Hold GPS level and Straight
  • Point GPS away from body
  • Turn Body until arrow faces

directly away from body.

  • Look at distance to Next or

Destination.

  • Walk in direction of arrow.
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Find Using Map

  • Hold GPS level and Straight away

from body.

  • Turn Body until black arrow

points directly toward Destination.

  • Look at distance to Destination.
  • Walk in direction of destination.
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Find a Geocache Using Oregon 400t

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Press on Geocaches Press Find a Geocache Press on Cache

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Find a Geocache Using Oregon 400t

Step 4 Step 5 Step 5b Cache Shown on map Abbreviated Listing Full Listing

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Find a Geocache Using Oregon 400t

Step 5c Step 6 Step 6b Press Go Navigate by Map Navigate by Compass

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Find a Geocache Using Nuvi 500

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Press on Where to? Press Geocaches Press on Cache

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Find a Geocache Using Nuvi 500

Step 4 Step 4b Step 5 Press on Map Press Go! Navigate to cache

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  • As you get within a 100 feet, walk slow!
  • Find Ground Zero
  • Focus on Accuracy
  • Watch the Location Arrow Drift
  • Search for obvious places
  • Can’t Find it?
  • Stop looking at that GPS!
  • Look harder and places you are afraid to look
  • Use Hints from Cache Sheet
  • Log your finds in Log Book and Web

Your Getting Close!

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Carroll Community College Caches

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  • 1. Find a good location that meets guidelines
  • 2. Obtain an appropriate container to fit location
  • Properly identify the container
  • Include a Log Book/Sheet,
  • Include a stash note describing Geocaching
  • Include stash items

3.

Place the cache and mark the location 4. Submit the cache using the Online Form 5. Maintain the cache

Steps to Hide a Cache

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Steps to Hide a Cache

Click on

Hide and Seek

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  • Place with a great view or natural beauty
  • Site of Historical Significance
  • Get Permission
  • Location meets Guidelines
  • Geocaching Guidelines: http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx
  • State Park Guidelines (DNR/DCNR) : http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/pdfs/cachingguidelines.pdf
  • County Park or local guidelines where applicable.
  • It’s Accessible, but not too accessible

Where to Hide a Cache?

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Geocaching.com Guidelines

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MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOREST SERVICE GEOCACHE GUIDELINES 1. You must receive approval from the State Forest and Park Service (SFPS) prior to placing a cache. To obtain the approval you must submit the Cache Approval Form to the appropriate park office. In most cases, you will be advised

  • f a decision within three (3) business days or less.
  • 2. In cases where a cache is not approved, the SFPS will recommend a more appropriate location for placement.
  • 3. A transparent container is required. DO NOT use PVC pipe, Ammo Cans or any other Military looking

containers that may cause alarm should an unsuspecting person happen upon the cache. (Tupperware, Gladware, Pretzel Barrel, etc) NOTE: Ammo cans may be allowed in various Western Region Maryland State Parks. Please discuss this with the Ranger prior to hiding a cache if you would like to use one.

  • 4. DO NOT dig any holes or disturb the surrounding environment. DO NOT attach caches to live trees or structures of

any kind.

  • 5. DO NOT place your cache in plain view. Attempt to conceal the cache to minimize the chances that a non-

participant will spot it, which could cause worry, theft or vandalism. Try to hide the cache off the beaten path by at least a few yards to provide the finder some measure of privacy to sign the log without arousing undue alarm.

  • 6. Clearly mark the container with the appropriate identification, such as “Geocaching.com” and the name of the cache.

Place a stashnote inside explaining the sport to any non-participant who may discover the cache.

  • 7. Think Safety when hiding and/or seeking a cache. Use common sense!
  • 8. As a cache seeker, or cache owner, you must abide by park hours and all other rules and regulations. Carry

documentation such as the cache detail sheet, so that you can explain your activity to anyone who may ask.

MD State Park Guidelines

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Send a courtesy e-mail including: park name and location to the address listed below

Contact Info:

Brad Rogers, Bureau Chief of Parks DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS County Office Building, Room 100 225 North Center St. Westminster, MD 21157 (410) 386-2103 e-mail: ccrec@ccg.carr.org

Carroll County Park Guidelines

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GEOCACHE SITE - PLEASE READ

Congratulations, you've found it! Intentionally or not! What is this hidden container sitting here for? What the heck is this thing doing here with all these things in it? It is part of a worldwide game dedicated to GPS (Global Positioning System) users, called Geocaching. The game basically involves a GPS user hiding "treasure" (this container and its contents), and publishing the exact coordinates so other GPS users can come on a "treasure hunt" to find it. The only rules are: if you take something from the cache, you must leave something for the cache, and you must write about your visit in the logbook. Hopefully, the person that hid this container found a good spot that is not easily found by uninterested parties. Sometimes, a good spot turns out to be a bad spot, though. IF YOU FOUND THIS CONTAINER BY ACCIDENT: Great! You are welcome to join us! We ask only that you:

Please do not move or vandalize the container. The real treasure is just finding the container and sharing your thoughts with everyone else who finds it. If you wish, go ahead and take something. But please also leave something of your own for others to find, and write it in the logbook. If possible, let us know that you found it, by visiting the web site listed below. Geocaching is open to everyone with a GPS and a sense of adventure. There are similar sites all over the world. The organization has its home on the Internet. Visit our website if you want to learn more, or have any comments: http://www.geocaching.com

Cache Note

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Hiding a Cache – The Online Form

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Hiding a Cache – The Online Form

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Not all GPSr are the Same

GPS Maps

  • Base Maps (Not all roads are provided) Not very useful.
  • Street Maps (Navigate turn by turn while in Automobile).
  • Topo Maps (See Terrain and contour lines)
  • Satellite Images (Aerial Images)

Navigation Capabilities

  • GPS responds to Voice Commands
  • Provides Turn-by-Turn with voice indicating Direction and Street Names
  • Provides Turn-by-Turn with voice indicating Direction (Left or Right)
  • Provides Turn-by-Turn with beeps only
  • No Road Navigation capabilities (off road only)

Geocaching Capabilities of GPS

  • Can the GPS support Paperless Geocaching? (Contains all information about a

cache in the GPS)

  • Does the GPS Recognizes Certain Waypoint Icons as Geocaches?
  • Can you send or download directly to the GPS from http://geocaching.com or

do you need other software to get cache locations into the GPS?

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Not all GPSr are the Same

User Interface (How easy is it to use)

  • Touch Screen vs. Buttons
  • Color Screen vs. Grey Shades

Compass

  • Works while standing still
  • You must move 10 feet for it to provide direction

Tracks Record Methods

  • Can Tracks be recorded?
  • Can you control how often bread crumbs are dropped?

Accuracy

  • Antenna
  • WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System used to correct errors)
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Note: Most Popular does not mean the best

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Note: Most Popular does not mean the best

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Different GPS Maps Available

Base Map Topo Map Street Map Satellite

Kings Gap SP Area:

  • Mt. Holly

Springs Area:

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  • Electronic Bread Crumbs are

dropped along your path

  • If lost, tracks allow you to find

your way back along same path traveled.

  • Sample path is shown in blue.

Tracking

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  • Distance
  • Trip Odometer
  • Elevation
  • Speed
  • Average / Max Speed
  • Time / Arrival Time
  • Configurable

Trip Computer

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  • Geocaching:
  • Find and Log Caches:

http://www.geocaching.com

  • Resource of Information:

http://www.geocaching.com/resources/

  • Maryland Geocaching Society:

http://www.mdgps.org/

  • Guidelines/Rules:
  • http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx
  • http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/pdfs/cachingguidelines.pdf
  • http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/pdfs/geocahceapp.pdf
  • http://www.mdgps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=5083
  • GPS Manufactures (Most Popular)
  • Garmin:

http://www.garmin.com

  • Magellan:

http://www.magellangps.com/

  • Delorme:

http://delorme.com

  • Lowrance:

http://www.lowrance.com/

  • How a GPS works
  • http://www.trimble.com/gps/howgps.shtml

Informational Web Sites

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Finding a Cache Without GPS

Find best way in by Car Find two points that visually intersect 1. Edge of Woods 2. Edge of fields/parking lot

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Finding a Cache Without GPS

Fence Guard Rail

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Top Cachers

As of 3/25/2009

(www.zinnware.com)

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Set your Profile’s Home Coordinates

Login Click on

My Profile

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Click on

View My Account Details Link

Set your Profile’s Home Coordinates

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Click on

Change (My Location)

Set your Profile’s Home Coordinates

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Set your Home Coordinates

Enter Home Address Click on

Search Button

Scroll and Click on

Save Changes Button

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The GPS Satellite System

  • First Satellite in 1978
  • 24 Satellites by 1994
  • Travel at 7000 mph
  • 10 Year Life Span
  • 2000 pounds
  • 17 feet wide
  • Solar Powered
  • At least 5 are Visible
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GPS Accuracy Summary

  • Prior to May 2000 -

with SA (Selective Availability) 300 feet

  • May 2000 No SA -

45 feet

  • GPS with differential (DGPS) -

9 to 15 feet

  • GPS with WAAS -

5 to 8 feet

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Satellite Screen

  • Accuracy (8 to 26 Feet)
  • WAAS
  • Signals Received
  • Current Location
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How a Position is Determined

  • GPS Receivers measure travel time of radio

signals from Satellites.

  • Radio Signals travel at the speed of light.
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How a Position is Determined

  • Timing the radio signal for the first satellite

signal it is determined that we are 11,000 miles from that satellite.

  • We do not know which direction.
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How a Position is Determined

  • For the Second satellite signal it is determined

that we are 12,000 miles from that satellite.

  • The spheres of both satellites intersect. The area

is narrowed.

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How a Position is Determined

  • The third satellite signal is 13,000 mile away.
  • The spheres of all satellites intersect at 2 points

in space.

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How a Position is Determined

  • Four Satellites are needed for a accurate position

using Triangulation

  • Exact Position of Satellites must be determined
  • Correct Signal Errors and Delays.
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Signals Errors and Accuracy

  • Satellite Position Geometry
  • Orbital Errors
  • Atmospheric Delays
  • Intentional Degradation
  • Signal Multipath (bounce)
  • GPS Receiver Clock Errors
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Cache Containers

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Cache Containers – Other

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  • May 1, 2000 - GPS signal degradation called Select

Availability (SA) was removed.

  • May 3, 2000 - A container of goodies was hidden

by Dave Ulmner outside of Portland, Oregon

  • May 6, 2000 - Mike Teague was the first person to

find the container. Two days later he built the first web site to document these containers and their locations

  • September, 2000 – Jeremy Irish, created a robust

website and used the name Geocaching.com

History of Geocaching