Geocaching.com site update August 2nd 2011

[OpinioNate]

Read the last update's Release Notes

 

 

Public API Beta Launch

 

 

Today is an exciting day for us, as the first third-party application has officially launched using the new Geocaching Live API. CacheSense is now available for download on the BlackBerry OS, and features direct access to the Geocaching.com database of geocaches and Trackables, secure online access to your account, Pocket Queries and more. CacheSense has a loyal following and active geocacher/developer at the helm, and Groundspeak is honored to kickoff the API launch with a quality application.

 

 

Visit CacheSense.com for more information.

 

More than 35 trusted partners are currently developing against the Geocaching Live API, on everything from mobile devices to desktop applications. Stay tuned for multiple releases coming very soon.

 

 

What else is new?

 

New

 

• Added a video to Geocaching.com/iPhone showing the Geocaching for iPhone application in action

• Added new cache attributes: Seasonal Access, Teamwork Required, Tourist Friendly, Tree Climbing and Front Yard (private residence)

• Added Hungarian translations to Geocaching.com

• Retroactively awarded Mega event Souvenirs for 4 recent events

• Increased total number of assignable cache attributes from 10 to 15

• Localized Basic and Premium registration pages so they can be translated in other languages

• Increased the number of Trackable activation codes that can be retrieved within a one hour period

• Added an option in search results to highlight "beginner caches" (low difficulty/traditional type/recently found etc.)

• Added Twitter and Facebook sharing options to cache log pages, visit your profile or geocaching.com/my/sharing.aspx to connect your accounts

• Added the ability to temporarily close the yellow banner announcing scheduled maintenance on Geocaching.com

• Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums

• Added special Block Party icon for annual Groundspeak headquarters event

 

Bug Fixes

 

• Removed meta tags from cache page source of unpublished cache pages so spoilers are not revealed pre-publication

• Fixed bug which caused a Trackable to enter a limbo state if marked missing and moved to the owner's collection

• Membership referral field when creating an account will now properly recognize extended characters in usernames

• Changed "Waypoint Name" to "GC Code" on Create a Pocket Query form

• When previewing a Cache Along a Route the highlighted portion of the map will now properly adjust in size based on the zoom level

• Added Chatham Islands as a region for New Zealand and now allowing caches placed there to have a West longitude

• Fixed bug on home page search where street addresses were not recognized without a postal code

• Fixed bug which prevented marking a Trackable missing when language set to German or Czech

• Added missing "generic" Geocoin icon to Trackables inventory page and Trackable map

• Fixed bug where retracted caches would still appear on the map for a short time

• Fixed support request form to properly auto-populate your username when filling out a support inquiry

• Caches found in the African nation Congo no longer incorrectly appear on the statistics map in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Fixed profile statistics display in which the first cache type in a bar chart was truncated

• Fixed bug in advanced search which improperly included found or owned caches in search results when the user requested they be excluded

• Disabled Send to GPS link for PMO caches when viewed by a logged in Basic Member

• Fixed paragraph formatting for print-friendly cache pages

• Added a new text entry field on Trackables lookup page for situations where the Trackable ID was first entered incorrectly

• Fixed bug which prevented the resending of validation emails when the first email was misplaced

• Updated cache creation page to require a state selection when submitting caches for Belgium

• Fixed Trackables description display issue which cause emoticons to disrupt HTML formatting

• Updated cache log smiley icons to the higher contrast versions used on the map

• Fixed styling issue on account creation page causing error message to be misaligned

• Changed link on Travel Bugs ordering info page from shop.Groundspeak.com to shop.geocaching.com

• Added ability for cache owners to set the "Needs Maintenance" attribute on caches they own

Many thanks to all geocachers who have provided feedback on User Voice. Happy Geocaching!

[TheCacheSeeker]

Wow! Sounds great! Thanks a ton!

[+BBWolf+3Pigs]

• Added new cache attributes: Seasonal Access,..., Tourist Friendly,...

• Increased total number of assignable cache attributes from 10 to 15

 

Like these!

[+bretina]

I thought today was the day that the new GPX format would be out (includes picture links, favorite points, etc.) Did that make the deploy today?

[+cache_test_dummies]

I thought today was the day that the new GPX format would be out (includes picture links, favorite points, etc.) Did that make the deploy today?

Postponed.

[+Maingray]

Cachesense (formerly cacheberry) is a great app. Shame I switched from a blackberry.

[+bretina]

Extremely disappointing. These other projects must be awesome because that is what we have been hearing on many things since late spring.

 

I thought today was the day that the new GPX format would be out (includes picture links, favorite points, etc.) Did that make the deploy today?

Postponed.

[+SeekerOfTheWay]

Awesome works! Thanks!

[+L0ne.R]

I thought today was the day that the new GPX format would be out (includes picture links, favorite points, etc.) Did that make the deploy today?

Postponed.

 

Oh noooooooo. I was so looking forward to filtering by Favorite points.

[+L0ne.R]

• Added new cache attributes: Seasonal Access,..., Tourist Friendly,...

• Increased total number of assignable cache attributes from 10 to 15

 

Like these!

 

Yes...nice new attributes. I hope people will use the Tree Climbing attribute when needed.

[jholly]

So when do the rest of us get the API? Specifically GSAK?

Edited August 2, 2011 by jholly

[Pup Patrol]

• Added ability for cache owners to set the "Needs Maintenance" attribute on caches they own

 

Not sure I understand the point of this one.

 

If a cache needs maintenance, shouldn't the cache owner "temporarily disable"?

[+NeverSummer]

The http://www.geocaching.com/live/ page is confusing based on the updates listed above. Is there an Android "Live" app, or only the Blackberry "app" so far?

[+L0ne.R]

Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums

 

No age restriction on posting caches autonomously. Is it OK for a 10 year old to open up an account and post a cache without parental consent?

[+Diesel_Cacher]

Keep up the great work!

[cb82]

Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums

 

No age restriction on posting caches autonomously. Is it OK for a 10 year old to open up an account and post a cache without parental consent?

 

No, the TOU still says this -

"By using the Site, you represent and warrant that you are 18 years of age or older. If we believe that you are under 18 years of age, please be advised that your account may be terminated without warning."

[+tozainamboku]

• Added new cache attributes: Seasonal Access,..., Tourist Friendly,...

• Increased total number of assignable cache attributes from 10 to 15

 

Like these!

 

Yes...nice new attributes. I hope people will use the Tree Climbing attribute when needed.

I suspect some tree climbing cache owners will see this as a spoiler and not use it.

[+L0ne.R]

Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums

 

No age restriction on posting caches autonomously. Is it OK for a 10 year old to open up an account and post a cache without parental consent?

 

No, the TOU still says this -

"By using the Site, you represent and warrant that you are 18 years of age or older. If we believe that you are under 18 years of age, please be advised that your account may be terminated without warning."

 

Interesting. Does "Site" mean just the forum, or geocaching.com's database too?

[+dfx]

• Added new cache attributes: Seasonal Access,..., Tourist Friendly,...

• Increased total number of assignable cache attributes from 10 to 15

 

Like these!

 

Yes...nice new attributes. I hope people will use the Tree Climbing attribute when needed.

I suspect some tree climbing cache owners will see this as a spoiler and not use it.

 

The terrain rating is usually enough to figure out that it's up a tree.

[+Maingray]

I'll submit as a request, but man... too much on the integration with FB / Twitter. Allow us to toggle it "on" (default = off) for certain caches we log (as it stands, it seems to be on (once allowed) for every finds and DNFs). I'm gonna lose all my FB friends when I log my 200 cache runs .

 

I'd like the FB/twitter ability to toggle it for each cache... even the FB / twitter reporting of awarding a fave point would be cool, and actually useful.

[+NeverSummer]

Alignment is off in "Post a new log" under the "Log Options" section for a cache.

Edit to add: Using Chrome on a PC

Edited August 2, 2011 by NeverSummer

[+dfx]

Alignment is off in "Post a new log" under the "Log Options" section for a cache.

 

Disable that Greasemonkey.

[+nittany dave]

...I'd like the FB/twitter ability to toggle it for each cache... even the FB / twitter reporting of awarding a fave point would be cool, and actually useful.

Completely agree with this. I won't use it if it's all or nothing. Really like the idea of sharing logs on favorites but if it isn't selective I won't do it.

 

How about another checkbox on the log page next to "Add to your Favorites". Something like "Share on FB" & "Share on Twitter".

[+NeverSummer]

Alignment is off in "Post a new log" under the "Log Options" section for a cache.

 

Disable that Greasemonkey.

I have no idea what that means...I'm no programmer

[OpinioNate]

I'll submit as a request, but man... too much on the integration with FB / Twitter. Allow us to toggle it "on" (default = off) for certain caches we log (as it stands, it seems to be on (once allowed) for every finds and DNFs). I'm gonna lose all my FB friends when I log my 200 cache runs .

 

I'd like the FB/twitter ability to toggle it for each cache... even the FB / twitter reporting of awarding a fave point would be cool, and actually useful.

 

After you connect your Twitter/Facebook accounts just uncheck the box in the settings that say "I log a cache on the website". This will give you the option of posting each time you submit a cache find log, but won't enable it by default.

 

[+nittany dave]

I thought today was the day that the new GPX format would be out (includes picture links, favorite points, etc.) Did that make the deploy today?

Postponed.

 

Jeers from the crowd (of 1). And not just a month delay, "late September at the earliest". Hugely disappointing.

[+JL_HSTRE]

As a big advocate of Attributes I am very pleased to see not only the 4 new attributes, but also the Attribute limit increased. Thanks!!!

 

Now if only we can persuade more people to use them...

[+evilfoot]

There has been a lot of discussion about the PQ maps - that all caches show up and this isn't working or desirable for many people (me included). I haven't seen it addressed yet - is there anything upcoming?

[OpinioNate]

There has been a lot of discussion about the PQ maps - that all caches show up and this isn't working or desirable for many people (me included). I haven't seen it addressed yet - is there anything upcoming?

 

We took a stab at this issue over the last week but weren't happy with the way it was implemented so it was rolled back. We recognize it's a big complaint from Premium Members so we're going back to the drawing board with some other ideas. I hope to announce a fix for this very soon.

[+nittany dave]

...I'd like the FB/twitter ability to toggle it for each cache... even the FB / twitter reporting of awarding a fave point would be cool, and actually useful.

Completely agree with this. I won't use it if it's all or nothing. Really like the idea of sharing logs on favorites but if it isn't selective I won't do it.

 

How about another checkbox on the log page next to "Add to your Favorites". Something like "Share on FB" & "Share on Twitter".

 

Well how about that, it already does! When I went to a log page before posting here it wasn't visible. It doesn't appear as an option until you select "found it". Nice!

[+NinjaCacher!]

comment "retracted" due to change in original post

 

Edited August 2, 2011 by luzian

[+dfx]

Well it's not really a "Public API Launch" until the launched API is Public, is it?

 

 

We have a winner!

[OpinioNate]

Well it's not really a "Public API Launch" until the launched API is Public, is it?

 

 

We have a winner!

 

Hah! I had "Beta" in there at one point but I must have edited it out. I'll add that back.

[+NinjaCacher!]

 

Hah! I had "Beta" in there at one point but I must have edited it out. I'll add that back.

 

Oh ok. With beta this now makes sense (and I "retract" my previous comment)

 

 

Just remains to say that hopefully the "public launch" will follow soon!

 

And let me add: thanks for all your great work - even if many users (including me ) are very impatient and therefore sometimes unhappy not to see some of the expected big new featuers live yet....

Edited August 2, 2011 by luzian

[+supertbone]

I have just tested the Facebook integration and it works, though I wish the facebook post would show the name & GC code of the cache I found. Twitter on the other hand still does not work when logging from the Android app. I tested this with on one of my caches (GC2MF0W) using the authorization I currently had, then I revoked it and redid it. Both had the same results, no posts to my twitter account. This last worked for me back in May.

[+South Lyon Trekkers]

There has been a lot of discussion about the PQ maps - that all caches show up and this isn't working or desirable for many people (me included). I haven't seen it addressed yet - is there anything upcoming?

 

We took a stab at this issue over the last week but weren't happy with the way it was implemented so it was rolled back. We recognize it's a big complaint from Premium Members so we're going back to the drawing board with some other ideas. I hope to announce a fix for this very soon.

 

SO BUMMED. I was hoping this would be fixed. I wait patiently.

[knowschad]

Nate,

 

"Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums" seems to be causing some confusion being discussed in the General and OT forums.

 

Can you clarify what exactly was changed and what Groundspeak's current policy on age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums actually is? (In other words, would you mind clarifying the clarification?)

[+Maingray]

I'll submit as a request, but man... too much on the integration with FB / Twitter. Allow us to toggle it "on" (default = off) for certain caches we log (as it stands, it seems to be on (once allowed) for every finds and DNFs). I'm gonna lose all my FB friends when I log my 200 cache runs .

 

I'd like the FB/twitter ability to toggle it for each cache... even the FB / twitter reporting of awarding a fave point would be cool, and actually useful.

 

After you connect your Twitter/Facebook accounts just uncheck the box in the settings that say "I log a cache on the website". This will give you the option of posting each time you submit a cache find log, but won't enable it by default.

 

 

a-ha OK. Never even thought of that option. You might need to change the wording on the page then, not clear at all.

 

I still want fave points to be broadcast an an option =)

[+De Zwarte Tovenaars]

• Added ability for cache owners to set the "Needs Maintenance" attribute on caches they own

 

 

I must have missed something because I cannot find this on one of my own caches ... ?

[+Olddffart]

There has been a lot of discussion about the PQ maps - that all caches show up and this isn't working or desirable for many people (me included). I haven't seen it addressed yet - is there anything upcoming?

 

We took a stab at this issue over the last week but weren't happy with the way it was implemented so it was rolled back. We recognize it's a big complaint from Premium Members so we're going back to the drawing board with some other ideas. I hope to announce a fix for this very soon.

 

Glad to hear you are working on this. The use-ability of the maps is very limited without the ability to list the caches shown with reference numbers. In the meantime, any chance of reactivating the disabled PM filters on the old maps ??

 

I do like the changes made to the attributes. Now if we can just get everyone to use them!

[OpinioNate]

• Added ability for cache owners to set the "Needs Maintenance" attribute on caches they own

 

 

I must have missed something because I cannot find this on one of my own caches ... ?

 

Looks like this fix didn't make it to the live site. We will investigate.

 

(PS - the fix adds a new dropdown option for owners when logging the cache)

[+Lord Cadogan]

Glad to see some of the new attributes. I already have 2 caches that I will make use of them on. I also am pleased to see the limit increased to 15. Hard to decided which ones to use when you are limited.

[+emzett]

T5 caches are highlighted as beginner caches if they have a low D-rating. I don't think that these are really beginner caches.

[+SwineFlew]

thank you thank you for getting the API going for us blackberry users. Love how much control I got now with my blackberry!! Thank you again.

Edited August 2, 2011 by SwineFlew

[+Team Monkeyboy]

New GPX format: postponed

Bring back virtuals: postponed

Nano attribute: postponed

Support for dying smartphone platform: added

 

??

[+rtyrie]

T5 caches are highlighted as beginner caches if they have a low D-rating. I don't think that these are really beginner caches.

 

I've been looking at this as well and I don't understand the mechanism here. I looked at my local area and see that plenty of traditional/low difficulty/low terrain caches that have been found recently are not labeled as beginner caches, while others are. I also noticed that a nearby 2.5/3.5 cache was labelled as a beginner cache, while nearby caches with lower ratings were not.

 

I'm curious regarding the underlying logic of this feature.

[+CacheSense]

Cachesense (formerly cacheberry) is a great app. Shame I switched from a blackberry.

 

Android version of CacheSense is in private beta now.

 

Support for dying smartphone platform: added

 

Other apps for other platforms are coming, there'll soon be more than you can shake a stick at - Groundspeak have not chosen to support the BlackBerry platform at all, they are simply staging the release and the way it shook out, CacheSense was first out of the gate. Don't let platform politics overshadow the main event.. the Geocaching Live API is huge leap forward for all of us..

 

Cheers,

Bruce

Edited August 2, 2011 by CacheSense

[Bryan]

Nate,

 

"Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums" seems to be causing some confusion being discussed in the General and OT forums.

 

Can you clarify what exactly was changed and what Groundspeak's current policy on age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums actually is? (In other words, would you mind clarifying the clarification?)

 

Historically, there was no mention of age in the requirements for posting to the discussion forums. We've now added the following: "To post in the Groundspeak Discussion Forums, you must be 18 years or older, or under the supervision of your parent or legal guardian." What this is intended to mean is that users who are under 18 can post in the forums but only if they are supervised. While identification and enforcement may be a potential issue, we expect to use this provision in cases where abuse of the forum guidelines is taking place.

[+evilfoot]

There has been a lot of discussion about the PQ maps - that all caches show up and this isn't working or desirable for many people (me included). I haven't seen it addressed yet - is there anything upcoming?

 

We took a stab at this issue over the last week but weren't happy with the way it was implemented so it was rolled back. We recognize it's a big complaint from Premium Members so we're going back to the drawing board with some other ideas. I hope to announce a fix for this very soon.

 

Thanks - appreciate the update.

By the way, from the last update, direct links to PQs and Lists were added so they can be accessed from anywhere. I had hoped for that for quite a while and really like it.

[knowschad]

Nate,

 

"Updated Terms of Use Agreement (Section 4) to clarify age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums" seems to be causing some confusion being discussed in the General and OT forums.

 

Can you clarify what exactly was changed and what Groundspeak's current policy on age restriction for posting to Groundspeak Discussion Forums actually is? (In other words, would you mind clarifying the clarification?)

 

Historically, there was no mention of age in the requirements for posting to the discussion forums. We've now added the following: "To post in the Groundspeak Discussion Forums, you must be 18 years or older, or under the supervision of your parent or legal guardian." What this is intended to mean is that users who are under 18 can post in the forums but only if they are supervised. While identification and enforcement may be a potential issue, we expect to use this provision in cases where abuse of the forum guidelines is taking place.

 

Thanks for the clarification of the clarification!