PA Delorme Map Grid Changes

[+jlcslc2053]

Hi all. I have a question. We've been working to find caches in the PA Delorme Challenge. However, the cache description says that only the 2001 Delorme map version counts. There are two issues with this. First this map is so outdated and its impossible to find to purchase for use in the challenge. Most importantly, the grid lines have changed from this version to the most recent versions as well as the grid numbering system. We're working off of 2009 version and the grid lines are different and caches we have in a grid # on the 2009 version, fall into different grid # according to the 2001 version.

 

Has anyone ever run into this problem? I raised the issue with the cache owner of this challenge, and was basically told "tough luck." Actually the quote was ", "The only book that matters is the edition mentioned on the cache page (e.g., 2001). Things have changed since it was created but if we change the challenge, it affects everyone checking it." I'm not asking them to "change the challenge" but to at least consider a validation method for users of newer Delorme map versions. You can't even find a 2001 map to purchase anymore.

 

To me, the effort to make these changes falls under the category of "cache maintenance." The challenge is based on the map, the map gets updated, so I believe you need to keep up. I'm not suggesting every year, but, please, 10 years--I think it's time for an update to a version of the map at least we can find to purchase! I think I'm more upset with the cache owners attitude that they won't even consider being flexible with cachers based on what version of map they can find. I guess all of the software macros they have are based on a 2001 map. But, again, this is 2011...

 

Thoughts???? Has anyone ever run into this problem??????

Edited April 7, 2011 by jlcslc2053

[+CanadianRockies]

Perhaps you could look for a 2001 edition in a library or at used book stores.

[+jlcslc2053]

Perhaps you could look for a 2001 edition in a library or at used book stores.

 

Perhaps, but that really isn't my point. This challenge is based on a 10 year old map..a map that has changed several times over that 10 years. I'm new to the challenge and am having difficult finding the map, a map that was readily available when this challenge was first introduced 6 or so years ago. I don't think that finding a map should be part of the challenge---The map was fairly current and reaily available at the time this cache went online, but it isn't today. Again, I think cache maintenance takes on many forms...one being keeping the information up-to-date. I'm sure it isn't an easy task, but really, are cachers 10 years from now expected to use a map that is 20 years old for this challenge?

[jholly]

This has happened on nearly all the state Delorme challenges. Sometimes the CO accommodates the changes sometimes not. It is their cache, they get to set the rules. They do give a couple files for checking and if your a GSAK user Hynr's challenge macro supports the definitive map. I don't see a major problem checking your progress.

[+ngrrfan]

Perhaps you could look for a 2001 edition in a library or at used book stores.

 

Perhaps, but that really isn't my point. This challenge is based on a 10 year old map..a map that has changed several times over that 10 years. I'm new to the challenge and am having difficult finding the map, a map that was readily available when this challenge was first introduced 6 or so years ago. I don't think that finding a map should be part of the challenge---The map was fairly current and reaily available at the time this cache went online, but it isn't today. Again, I think cache maintenance takes on many forms...one being keeping the information up-to-date. I'm sure it isn't an easy task, but really, are cachers 10 years from now expected to use a map that is 20 years old for this challenge?

Since the map book isn't readily available.... politely ask the CO for a list of pages with the coords of each page. Once you have that list you don't need the map you only need to make sure that you have a cache that fall inside the coords.

[+Lil Devil]

Maybe there is a 2nd DeLorme Challenge in your state based on the newer book. If not, create it yourself.

[+Lil Devil]

... politely ask the CO for a list of pages with the coords of each page.

Right in the middle of the cache page, under "How can I play?" is a link to grid files in several formats. One doesn't need a paper book, just a computer. I really don't understand what the OP is complaining about?

[+OReviewer]

I am the one who told the OP that we are only accepting the 2001 book. We made a conscious choice NOT to update the challenge to meet newer books. We felt that having the challenge based on a single book would lead to less headaches and put everyone in the same boat. The change of grids over the years might make it easier or harder for certain people and do the opposite for other people.

 

Right in the middle of the cache page, under "How can I play?" is a link to grid files in several formats. One doesn't need a paper book, just a computer. I really don't understand what the OP is complaining about?

This was an important inclusion in the creation of the page. We included these files for the express purpose that people wouldn't have to buy ANY edition of the book. We included 4 major file formats and made sure it would work in Google Earth so no one would have to buy a program to check their progress. A friend of ours made the original GSAK macro that also allows you to check your progression (free for a trial use I believe).

 

We have no interest in re-creating a challenge that works, has been found by many and seems to be liked. If there are specific questions, we are happy to answer them. I would suggest the popular method of running a pocket query for were you want to go (ahead of time) and then open it along with the .kml file in google earth. This will allow you to visualize where things are and in what grids they are.

Edited April 8, 2011 by OReviewer

[+jlcslc2053]

I appreciate all comments and information. We're heading out again to conquer PA...we do enjoy this hobby!

[jholly]

Also for GSAK users there is also the Map Delorme.gsk macro. I did not check but I suspect it also supports the 2001 edition.

[+jlcslc2053]

Thanks again...yes I am aware of some ways to track caches within the grids, but what do you guys prefer in the field? We love to take the map and just hit the road, but it seems suggestions here lean more towards mapping out a route and specific caches beforehand. Is there a way we can be out and come across a cache and somehow check to see what grid it's in on the fly...just using a smartphone?

[+OReviewer]

In GSAK, you can assign caches their grid number so when I export them, I can add that to their name or in the comments section. In the field I then have that number.

[+jlcslc2053]

REally...I've got the free trial version of GSAK and am about ready to purchase it...but I've never downloaded caches from there to my GPS..I've always done that directly from Geocaching.com.

 

1. If it's a quick answer, how do you do that? Do you run your pocket queries on GC.com then Import those into GSAK?

 

2. Once in GSAK, how do you assign them their Grid numbers?

 

3. Then how do you upload them on to your GPS?

 

Thanks!

[Keystone]

You should read the GSAK forums and post questions there, in order to avoid taking your own thread off-topic. As a co-owner of the cache you're criticizing, I would rather read about the DeLorme Challenge.

 

To complete a challenge cache, I carry a laptop in the car with the boundaries (counties, grids, etc.) laid out along with the caches in my mapping software. It is easy and fun.

[+jlcslc2053]

Thanks for the feedback and the advice.

[+CanadianRockies]

...what do you guys prefer in the field? We love to take the map and just hit the road...

Perhaps you could look for the 2001 edition at used book stores.

[+hzoi]

Our local library had three different versions of the Virginia Delorme map, we just kept checking one out after another.

 

The local libraries here don't seem to keep the Alabama book on the shelf, so when I found the Alabama book at a dirt cheap used price through Amazon, I went ahead and bought it.

 

When Uncle Sam moves us somewhere else, maybe we'll get another atlas, maybe we'll go back to the library. Depends on where we go.