Geocaching
Geocaching is basically a world-wide scavenger hunt where all you’re given are GPS coordinates.
You can read more about geocaching here: http://www.geocaching.com/.
From the site:
What is usually in a cache?
A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be the logbook. In its simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else. The logbook contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache’s visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. A logbook might contain information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished caches, and even jokes written by visitors. If you get some information from a logbook you should give some back. At the very least you can leave the date and time you visited the cache.
Larger caches may consist of a waterproof plastic bucket placed tastefully within the local terrain. The bucket will contain the logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, its only fair for you to leave something in return. Items in a bucket cache could be: Maps, books, software, hardware, CD’s, videos, pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that items in a bucket cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect them.
Currently, there are 80 hidden caches in Texarkana.
Overview
The gist of finding a cache goes something like this:
1. Search geocaching.com for sites in or near your zip code
2. Record the GPS coordinates in any number of mapping programs (Google Maps, Google Earth, MapPoint, Streets and Trips, …etc.) Basically, you want something that can interface with your GPS relatively easy. There are also a few programs specifically written for Geocachers. You can find a list of software here: http://www.geocaching.com/waypoints/default.aspx
3. Sync the coordinates with your GPS. My GPS, a Garmin eTrex Legend, can hold 500 waypoints. Right now, I have all of Texarkana’s 80 stored in it.
4. Go find the cache. Usually I go with my kids and we’ll print out the writeup of the cache so my daughter can read it and then we’ll set off on our journey. On some occasions, we’ve also printed a map from either Google Maps or Google Earth to help us locate the general area of the cache.
Software
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com
Google Maps supports GPS coordinates and gives you the ability to view your saved waypoints to view from any computer. This way I can log in from work and print out a map if I need to.
Google Earth: http://earth.google.com
Google Earth also supports GPS coordinates but you have to install the software. Google Earth’s main benefit is that it’s free and is supported by GPSBabel, which I’ll mention later.
GPSBabel: http://www.gpsbabel.org
This is an console-based Open-Source software that runs on any platform possible. There is, however, a GUI for Windows. I use this software to convert the .loc files I download from the geocaching site into .kml files to import into Google Earth. This software is a definite time saver.
G7toWin: http://www.gpsinformation.org/ronh
This application isn’t listed on the Geocaching.com site, but I like it more than the other free alternatives. This software is used to import the .loc files from the Geocaching.com site into your GPS.
GPSVisualizer.com: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com
GPS Visualizer is a free, easy-to-use online utility that creates maps and profiles from GPS data (tracks and waypoints), street addresses, or simple coordinates. Use it to see where you’ve been, plan where you’re going, or visualize geographic data (business locations, scientific observations, events, customers, real estate, geotagged photos, etc.).