what is a pocket query?

[Curty85]

What is a pocket query and how do I run one?

[+Airmapper]

A Pocket Query is a file you can get from Geocaching.com with nearly complete info for the caches you specify in the options, which is a detailed method of sorting the caches based on your preferences. You can get up to 500 caches.

 

You have to be a Premium (Paying) Member to get a Pocket Query, it is one of the many extra features that come with the paid membership.

[+bridgeplayer2]

A Pocket Query is a file you can get from Geocaching.com with nearly complete info for the caches you specify in the options, which is a detailed method of sorting the caches based on your preferences. You can get up to 500 caches.

 

You have to be a Premium (Paying) Member to get a Pocket Query, it is one of the many extra features that come with the paid membership.

 

Hi, I have just become a Premium member so that I can use Pocket Query but I am having trouble using it. I have requested 3 queries but have not received them. Do they take a long time to arrive?

 

Bridgeplayer2

[+Markwell]

What is a pocket query?

Read Here

 

I have requested 3 queries but have not received them. Do they take a long time to arrive?

Read Here.

 

And everyone read here.

[+Outspoken1]

Pocket queries are very helpful, can be a bit intimidating to the first time (or even third) user.

 

First you'll select the Build Pocket Query on you Premium Member account page (right hand side menu has it listed about 2/3 way down). This will go to the next page that give a big button choice (pink I think) to Create New Query. Click on this button and you will g to a very complex (to the newbie) page with lots of radio button and choices.

 

First - Name your Query. This will allow you to go back to it once you have saved it.

Now select the day to run (remember the queries are run on USA Pacific Standard Time). You can only run 5 per day.

For the time being, it is OK to leave the default to run only once. Once you get the query fine-tuned to what you want, you can set a day (or days) to run it. For instance, I run mine on Thursday, so I have all my geocaching stuff updated for Friday and the weekend.

 

You can load up to 500 caches on your GPSr. But start with about 300 caches and that will keep you going for quite a while.

 

I select Traditional cache, virtual cache (I like these-not everyone does-a virtual cache was grandfathered. Other virtual caches are now at Waymarking.com), Multi-cache, Unknown Cache, Earthcache (again, I like these - not everyone does)

 

I keep any container checked. Micros tend to be most difficult to find, but this time of year, are often the only thing because many are hidden under lam post skirts, next to BIG decorative rocks, etc. Magnetic keyholders are also a common micro that can be found on cold snowy days (I'm in Denver, CO).

 

Now I select That I Haven't Found, Are available to all users, and Is active

 

I would make terrain less than or equal to 3

I would make difficulty less than of equal to 3

 

From Origin, I put in my actual home coords. You've got a GPSr, why not use it!!

I do a radius of 50 miles, but with so many caches in my area, I actually only get about 30 miles out (that is, more than 500). This depends where you live. If you are in a more rural area, you may have to increase the distance.

 

Placed during is None Selected

 

I do not use the attributes.

 

Compress to a .zip file, then submit.

 

When you submit, there is a blue text link that allows you to preview the Query. Do that! I have sometime made my selections too complex or restrictive, that I come up with nothing. The query above I have listed I run weekly on Thursday. I also run a second Pocket Query of Subscriber Only caches (Instead of 'That are available to everyone', I check 'subscriber only caches.'

 

The next thing you will probably need is GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) to keep track of all this data. I would strongly encourage buying this is you like it, just to help support all of the effort that has gone into and continues to go into this program specifically made for us Geocachers (no relation or interests with the author or program).

 

I hope this helps out. Later, you can also figure a poin to point route and get caches along that route. To do that, you will need to use Google Earth, but that program is free.

 

As a Premium Member, you can get daily email updates of caches placed in your area. Visit here.

 

Take care,

Outspoken1