Geocaching: A Challenge for Mind, Body and Tech

Location based services like Foursquare and Gowalla are hot because they provide an interesting intersection between geography and online social networking.  A far older activity that also blends technology and geography is the sport of geocaching.

Geocaching involves using a GPS device to find hidden containers (called “caches”) that contain items left by other players.  You find these caches, sign the logbook inside, and can opt to take something from it as long as you leave something behind. So, think of it as a high tech treasure hunt!  Interested?  Read on to see how easy it is to get into the sport of geocaching!

What You Need

While you can use old school tools like a map and compass, one of the most accessible ways to get into geocaching is to use a GPS enabled device.  These include units made by Garmin, Magellan, or Tom Tom as well as the GPS enabled smartphones that I’m sure many readers of Black Web 2.0 already own.  The next item you’ll need is a list of caches.  You can register for a free Basic Membership at www.geocaching.com which gives you access to listings of caches based on your postal code.  It’s also a good idea to buy a few trinkets that you can leave in the caches you find.

How to Do It

After you pick a cache to find, enter its coordinates into your GPS device.  This will show you a map with the location of the cache.  Make your way to the cache keeping in mind that you probably won’t be able to follow a straight line to it.  More than likely there will be obstacles like trees, bodies of water, or other impassable terrain.  You’ll have to figure out the best path to successfully find the cache which is part of the fun of geocaching!  Once you get to the general area of the cache, find the container, open it, and enter your name and date into the log.  If you decide to take something from the cache, make sure you leave something behind in its place.  Some people also update their Facebook and Twitter pages with pictures of their find.

Using Apps

There are several apps that can help you find caches.  The built in maps that come with most smartphones allow you to input the longitude and latitude coordinates that determine a cache’s position.  Geocache.com has an official iPhone app called Geocaching that costs $9.99. You can try a free version called Geocaching Intro that limit you to finding three caches.  An Android version is planned for Q3 of 2010.  Both apps provide a map that shows your present location and the spot where the cache is hidden.  They also provide a compass that points toward the position of the cache and your distance from it.

Why It’s Fun

Geocaching is a sport that challenges you to navigate difficult terrain to find each cache.  It’s also great exercise because you often have to hike several hundred meters during your search.  You can also find previously unknown parts of your community.  For example, while looking for a cache, I found a beautiful lake and picnic area that I didn’t know existed in a state forest that is less than a half mile from my house.  There is also a social aspect to the game that grows as you find more caches, read the log books stored inside, and meet other people who are geocaching.

Geocaching is a great way to get some exercise, engage in a mental challenge, and explore different parts of your community.  If you already have a GPS enabled device, then the investment is minimal and the rewards are great!

About the Author
Anjuan Simmons is an emerging technology consultant and freelance technology consultant currently working as a Director at Adverlyze, an online marketing strategy company. Anjuan has previously worked for Accenture and Deloitte. He has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Texas A&M University. He can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/anjuan and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/anjuan.
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