What if the satellites were unavailable?

[+CarlfromOH]

So what do you think? Would you still try to geocache if for some reason the satellites went away? Would we replace the coordinates with something else? Or would we try to go to maps and compasses? What do you think?

 

As for me, I think I would still try to geocache!

[+JohnnyVegas]

no

[+Scooter Bill]

We could always try letterboxing. They use hints and location descriptions instead of sattelite coords.

 

Do you have inside knowledge that we're losing our satellite signals. Hopefully the U.S. military won't shoot them down when they try to intercept the falling spy satellite.

[+Night Stalker]

If the cache description had really good hints and if I could get a fairly good feel of where it was using google maps I would go, but I have a hard enough time finding the motel I will be staying at for work much less finding a cache without my GPS.

 

[+StarBrand]

I've done a few with maps. Sometimes works well sometimes doesn't. Pretty hard to rely on most maps. The accuracy is usually no more than 90 feet at well defined locations. Often it is better but not always. You just don't know.

[+Renegade Knight]

If the GPS system died. The maps would remain. The activity would shift and the clues get better. There would still be caches and cachers.

[+meralgia]

If the GPS system died, I think I'd shrivel up and die myself. ; )

[+cache_test_dummies]

We aren't the only ones who rely on satellites for navigation. Part of me thinks that if the satellites were suddenly unavailable, we'd be so busy dodging falling airplanes that we wouldn't have enough time to geocache.

 

At least until things settled down.

[+nekom]

I've found several geocaches without using my gps. If the ariel photo/topo map is good enough, there is a nearby landmark that is easily recognizable, and the clue is good enough, it's not that difficult for many caches. Most other caches COULD be found with a map and a compass, but would be considerably harder. There is even a geocacher in the area here who seems to cache exclusively without a GPS. It can be done, just tougher.

[+TexasGringo]

I'd have to use my Magic 8 Ball....

 

Just ask it..."Am I Near The Cache?"

 

http://animation.about.com/library/tutorials/bl8ball1.htm

[jholly]

If the satellites went away the world would quite literally come to a crashing halt. It is used for more than bombs and tupperware quests.

 

Jim

[+RussellM]

I have a hard time choosing between reverting to LORAN or trying letterboxing. When it comes to the latter, there sure are a lot around here.

[+lpyankeefan]

Way, way, WAY back in our caching career we managed to find nearly all of our cache hides wihout a GPSr. Most were urban caches that we used the maps and hints with. Not to say that we didn't make a few mistakes, or post a few DNF's, but I believe we managed to find around fifty without a GPSr. Sometimes we'll still do it for fun.

[+blb9556]

Imagine this Seziure!! after heart attack!!! that would happen if they stopped.

[nobby.nobbs]

Give up my addiction? no chance. it would be harder but then we'd have to adapt.

 

Helps that my other half has to know how to map read of course

[+UncleJimbo]

So what do you think? Would you still try to geocache if for some reason the satellites went away? Would we replace the coordinates with something else? Or would we try to go to maps and compasses? What do you think?

 

As for me, I think I would still try to geocache!

No, because a GPSr is fundamental to "geocaching".

 

Of course, one could try Orienteering or Letterboxing without the need of GPS satellites.

Edited February 19, 2008 by UncleJimbo

[+Caching Scout]

Great now I going to have nightmares.

Satellites falling from the sky, Geocachers walking around drooling like mindless zombies.

Adults and Kids alike crying

The geocaching server crashing for good

Garmin going out of business

UGH

[+Team Cotati]

No.

[Rivergh0st]

If all else was normal, yes. My brother and I have found several lately with map and compass to stay fresh on those skills.

[+Okiebryan]

I can't even imagine what that would do to the surveying industry!

[knowschad]

Worse yet... what if ammo boxes were not available? Would you still cache then?

[+Cav Scout]

I been the the Army 22 years and know for a fact using a compass and map takes a special skill that you develope over a period of time. If there was no sattlelites, I guarantee geocachers would loose interest because its much harder to read the contour lines a topo map compared to following a arrow on a GPS.

[Snarf93]

definetly. id continue through that minor setback.

in fact while waiting for my gps to arrive i found my first 4 or 5 caches without a gps.

that was quite the experience

[+MarshMonsters]

I would use google maps for the existing caches. From those maps you get a general idea of the land. For new caches I would try my best with the clues and have fun looking. I would also try and refresh my map and compass skills. Even if I didn't find anything, at least I would still be out hiking and having fun. As for my GPSr I guess it would make a nice yellow door stop!

[+Wayfinders]

I can't even imagine what that would do to the surveying industry!

 

Relax. I've got an old K&E and a chain you can borrow.

[+CarlfromOH]

So what do you think? Would you still try to geocache if for some reason the satellites went away? Would we replace the coordinates with something else? Or would we try to go to maps and compasses? What do you think?

 

As for me, I think I would still try to geocache!

No, because a GPSr is fundamental to "geocaching".

 

Of course, one could try Orienteering or Letterboxing without the need of GPS satellites.

 

Hi Uncle Jimbo,

 

I considered getting into the meaning of "geo" and "caching" in my original post but thought it would be too long. I also wanted to see if the discussion arose. People have set out caches for eons. I would argue, along with some others above, that with modifications to the listings and the use of maps, landmarks, etc. the hunt would continue! And perhaps there would be a run on sextants, chronometers, and compasses!