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My first suggestion is to talk to a surveyor, your town/city's DPW or a college that teaches GIS. I use a demo/student version of Auto CAD Map 3, but I haven't tried to interface with my GPS. (I fear my poor old computer will have a stroke) I do know of a program called GPS-Communicator from Nautical Software. With it, different brands of GPS can actually swap information. Works with handhelds as well as top of the line fixed GPS found on boats. I got some waypoints from a Furuno, Raytheon, Northstar etc. put in my Garmin 48. It's used at the docks to keep everyone clear of other's lobster pots and long-lines etc. Proprietary software might a stumble. There are at least 12 different charting / mapping programs for marine alone , toss in AutoCAD .dwg file system, and I see sleepless nights ahead. I wish you luck, I'd like to know what happens.

I think it's a great idea. Friday's a good night to do it, too, so that people can hook up and talk about who's going where over the weekend, form groups, etc. Count me in. Scott

Talk about lame pickup lines...

I need to talk to a few Geocachers of varying levels of experience about Geocaching in the Calgary area, you know the kind of thing...who's doing it, what they like about it, how they got into it, etc. Lifestyle magazine stuff. You can email me cameo@canuck.com if you're interested in talking about it to me or you can call 240-9055 if you want to check my credentials or leave me a message. Thanks!

quote:Originally posted by puzzled:Most would agree that's it's not the arriving, it's the getting there that makes travel fulfilling. From your comments, I have to assume that you have not actually geocached before. A person does not fire up their GPS and walk straight to the cache. I have NEVER experienced this. It always boils down to plotting a point on a map and then trying to determine the best way to get to that point. quote:So what does GPS offer that supercedes maps? Again, from these comments, it doesn't appear that you ever geocached before. In no way are we using GPS in place of maps. In fact, every cache page (in the US) displays a map of the cache location. I always use a USGS 7.5 minute map of the area for reference when I hunt a cache, and I use a compass to help me zero in on the location. But even if someone does go at it without maps, what of it? quote:I blame it on Nintendo. Gratification with minimal outlay, like surfing the internet or reading trashy books. Blame WHAT on Nintendo? Getting people interested in technology AND the outdoors? This comment is quite insulting and demeaning, and rather than showing insight on your part, it shows a complete and utter lack of understanding and disregard for the interests of others. Why do you find it necessary to insult? quote:As for showing people interesting places, why not open up a book or talk to friends- you'll find it more effecient, unless of course, you ARE actually interested in the process of exploring rather than in the arrival. As a matter of fact, most of us ARE more interested in the exploring. We are telling people that point X is a neat place to go. It is up to them to determine how to get there.

s tedious and slower using fingers. A slide-rule is slower and less versatile for some calculations. So what does GPS offer that supercedes maps? It gives distance travelled more quickly &c. &c. but it doesn't give the 'big picture' like a map can. It's a different tool, not a comparable one, to be used as an adjunct rather than a means to an end. I blame it on Nintendo. Gratification with minimal outlay, like surfing the internet or reading trashy books. GPS appeals to those who can't quite leave the Nintendo at home, and have to have the low energy fix it offers. As for showing people interesting places, why not open up a book or talk to friends- you'll find it more effecient, unless of course, you ARE actually interested in the process of exploring rather than in the arrival.

If anybody in Calgary is geocaching I would like to talk to them. I'm researching an article. Please email cokeefe@calgarypublishingltd.com. Thanks!

I too have been thinking about creating virtual caches, in light of local park officials "studying" the potential impact of real caches. Virtual caches seem like the next step in the evolution of Geocaching. I think they would appeal more to those who have already found some real caches. There will always be appeal of real caches, especially for kids, but vitual caches appeal to me for several reasons: I don't need permission to create them, there's no talk about "littering", they're easier to create for high traffic areas such as city parks and residential areas.

mething and leaving something, it's having a good reason to go to a new place and play with your GPS. A stake in the ground is: less noticable and probably isn't 'junk' in the NPS's view. Or perhaps it is. Nonetheless, we do need to talk to the rangers, NPS people, whoever and explain to them that: - We're using the park. That's why it was invented, right? - We'd like to pay for the use of the park. IE, we're not freeloaders. - We're probably more environmentally aware about what off-trail use does and thus it won't be as bad as someone else's off-trail use. - It's not a threat, but this is a popular sport that's only going to get more popular, so see the next point: - We'd like to work with you [NPS, et al.] to make this all legal, but you have to work with us, too. ...And other stuff I haven't thought of. It's in everyone's best interest to be reasonable about this, but to take it up with official-type people. If they shoot you down, regroup and try again with someone else, or try again later. It will probably take awhile to convince the NPS that Geocaching is benefitial to the parks, not detrimental. ------------------

Yes, GPSs are 'dividendable' at REI (at least the one I bought was). A good internet source is http://www.tvnav.com . Darrel makes sure to upgrade each unit with the latest firmware before he ships it and he's willing to talk through any software compatibility or other issues with you over the phone or by email. (No connection other than as a customer.)

I'm in the same geographic area as you are. I've planted four caches, and only received 3 visitors in two months. Maybe you should wait until it really gets going here. This way you don't talk it up to a business and have them expecting a constant supply of people from your cache, then in reality have only me show up.

I recently stumbled upon some fellow geocachers and spooked them. They posted later that they stopped looking because the felt we were following them. We were just trying to stay back out of their way so that we could find the cache on our own. I would encourage everybody to talk to the people you run across while geocaching to avoid this sort of confusion. Maybe we need a secret handshake or a call and response. On a different occasion while signing the logbook we heard some geocachers approaching. (we could identify them by what they were saying , "it's 75 feet this way"). So as not to spoil their hunt we closed up the cache (minus the logbook, which we hadn't finished) and moved back about 25 feet. When they arrived we identified ourselves as fellow geocachers and told them they were close. Is there any offical geocaching etiquette we should follow in these situations.

I recently stumbled upon some fellow geocachers and spooked them. They posted later that they stopped looking because the felt we were following them. We were just trying to stay back out of their way so that we could find the cache on our own. I would encourage everybody to talk to the people you run across while geocaching to avoid this sort of confusion. Maybe we need a secret handshake or a call and response. On a different occasion while signing the logbook we heard some geocachers approaching. (we could identify them by what they were saying , "it's 75 feet this way"). So as not to spoil their hunt we closed up the cache (minus the logbook, which we hadn't finished) and moved back about 25 feet. When they arrived we identified ourselves as fellow geocachers and told them they were close. Is there any offical geocaching etiquette we should follow in these situations.

Hi Markwell - If it was the Herrick Lake Stash, that was one of the 3 caches I placed. I would be all for you placing one next to it as a bonus cache. E-amil me at TCGGrafix@aol.com and we can "talk". (Plus I want the coordinates for the new cache without having to return to mine any time soon!) Let me know! Bryan

Hi Markwell - If it was the Herrick Lake Stash, that was one of the 3 caches I placed. I would be all for you placing one next to it as a bonus cache. E-amil me at TCGGrafix@aol.com and we can "talk". (Plus I want the coordinates for the new cache without having to return to mine any time soon!) Let me know! Bryan

In my global map 100manual they talk about the power save feature.They say it will affect the receivers performance,it also can loose its lock easier on satellites and changes update rate. So maybe this is whats also hapenning when youre units get low on power.

So, you are Todd of Todd and Tracy! We finally meet (in cyberspace anyway). I must confess, I went out yesterday to Fort Scott deliberately to be the first to find the McGinnis caches. My dream was to get to a cache before you two did! (You've beaten me to every cache I've been to so far.) Now that my dream has been realized, I plan to get more casual about my drive. (Also, I was with the guy who has set out the Santa Fe Trail caches yesterday as he placed another one. Since I know where it is, I won't be looking for it. So you'll probably get there before anyone. Certainly before me.) Actually, I'm trying to convince the Star to let me write an article about geocaching. If you're interested, I'd probably like to talk to the two of you to get the view of two enthusiastic geocachers in the KC area. All sweetness and light, positive, upbeat quotes and perspectives about this healthy, wholesome, informative sport. That kind of thing. Look me up in the phone book and give me a call if you're interested. Paul of Paul and Libby

Step 1 would be talk to you local council, there may already discussions going on at the national level. Step 2 might be to set up a Cache in the local Scout Camp. I teach Sailing Merit Badge, navigation on a pond is pretty limited, so I often bring Scouts out on a larger boat in a bay. I used to tell them about Loran, but that is over now. GPS is so common now, that I see no reason to teach about it. Maps or Charts are still used, and compass use is still part of the excersize. "Be Prepared!" (bring extra batteries !)

I am trying to programm some software for the Gamin e-trex wich apperently can link to a PC serial port... Garmin is also so nice as to give the specifications of their Garmin-Protocol to anybody who is interested. The only problem now is: I cannot find the e-trex's specifications in there... What protocols do I use to talk to it ???

Wow! A reply!! Cool! Basic general stuff. There are no caches on the Kansas side of KC, something I hope to alleviate. We are in the MIssion area, and I went to the City hall and talked to the people there about places caches in the Mission parks, and at first I got the feeling I wished I hadn't asked. They mentioned going before the city council. EEK! No thanks, it's just for fun! I did end up talking to the Recs manager, and he seemed more cool with it, but was going to talk to a few people and "let me know". There are certainly a lot of places around here, in KC and towards Lawrence. We've found six at the time of this writing, hope to find more this weekend! We own an eTrex standard (yellow one) and it does us just fine.

So what did you want to talk about?

or people in the valley (of the sun) In Utah, i only have to walk outside to find a tree and its green!! And you cant call a catus a tree! All of our water is spring feed, you guys have to buy your water from us. 15 minutes and I can Skiing in the snow or water (late spring of course). You know all this talk about how bad AZ is, makes me miss Tempe, I think Ill move back....

What do you think you're doing to our environment spewing your verbal litter all over? Please respect our forums like you respect the outdoors. Both can get just as littered and be just as repulsive if not cared for properly. We are more than happy to talk with you as long as you "stay on *our* trails" and stop taking shortcuts. Follow the rules, learn the ettiquite and show some respect to the others and you *WILL* be heard.

I'm a newbie, just found the site yesterday and like the idea. Having read all of the talk about environmental issues, perhaps those who establish a cache could include some plastic bin bags in the cache to help people take their/other's rubbish for proper disposal. Anything that makes it easier for people to clean up after themselves/others could only be a benefit. Erosion, though, is potentially a greater threat to this sport - at least around popular caches. That said, what is the average frequency of cache visits? As the sport grows, this will increase, but will it exceed the time taken for the region to recover? Just my $0.02.

Nice place for a cache. Some friends of mine use to cut wood up in the park many moons ago.They talk of how the moose would follow them around different places earing the sound of chainsaws and eat the treetops as they bring down trees . Hopefully the cache seekers will see some moose .They also told me of a area where you where not allow to put your radio on or use your horn etc .I guess not to cause any interference ie:antennas