Geocaching.com site update Dec 6th 2011

[OpinioNate]

Read the last update's Release Notes

 

Update Mystery and Multi-cache Coordinates

 

Now with Pocket Query support!

 

In the last release we made it possible for Basic and Premium Members to add "corrected" coordinates to Mystery and Multi-caches. Visit the cache page and click the pencil icon next to coordinates, paste your new coordinates in the field and submit. That's it! The new coordinates will be hidden from others so there is no reason to fear spoiling the final location. When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

 

 

Release Notes

New Features:

 

• Re-ordered top navigation and added new "Partnering" pages for geocaching education, promotions, and travel & tourism

• Added new info page for parks and police officers at geocaching.com/parksandpolice

• Upgraded the PQ generator to support user-modified cache coordinates

• Added new Geocaching Live partners: CacheBox for Windows OS and Android, GeoStats Premium, and PocketDrake

• Added Intro to Geocaching brochure download in German language

• The featured map on Challenges home page now displays recently logged Challenges from around the world

• Added the ability to create a basic or Premium account through the mobile-friendly authorization page used by Groundspeak apps and API partners

 

Bug Fixes:

 

• Fixed bug with Send to GPS using DeLorme devices and IE9

• Fixed paging issue on Trackables pages where clicking "previous" would sometimes jump more than one page at a time

• Added a check to hide unpublished Challenges from non-owners

• Fixed bug where events and webcam caches in your bookmark lists did not indicate that you had found them

• Fixed bug in IE which caused the Send to GPS window from search results to not be resizable nor be large enough to contain all the text

• Fixed bug which prevented the larger of the two maps on a print-friendly cache page from being displayed when printed

• Renamed the esoteric "Knowledge Books" to the more comprehensible "Help Center"; content is the same

• Updated the Libyan flag in stats to reflect the new design

• Fixed bug which caused user-modified coordinates to sometimes change from S to N and W to E when near the Prime Meridian or Equator

 

 

Geocaching Live API Beta

 

The beta launch of the Geocaching Live API continues! This time we're pleased to announce four new partners:

 

PocketDrake

 

PocketDrake is a freeware application for devices running Windows Mobile designed for paperless geocaching. The aim of the program is to provide in one place everything needed for geocaching as well as to allow simple data management through programs on the PC. It is recommended to use PocketDrake in cooperation with GeoGet, because both applications share the same database.

 

GeoStats Premium

 

Premium maps and downloads for Portugal provided by Geocaching@PT. View all caches online and apply filters to find only the caches you want. Downloads are available in a variety of file formats to view on your device.

 

CacheBox for Android

 

CacheBox is a paperless mobile geocaching software for Android with online and offline maps support and Geocaching.com Live API capability. Manage and find mystery caches with intelligent handling of Final Waypoints and the Mystery-Solver module. Features include multi-database support, image and spoiler view, Field Notes upload, track recording and viewing. Cachebox is a free open-source application.

 

WinCachebox

 

WinCachebox is a paperless geocaching database management software for Windows PC with online and offline maps support and Geocaching.com Live API capability. Manage waypoints and mystery caches with intelligent handling of Final Waypoints and the Mystery-Solver module. Features include image and spoiler view. WinCachebox is designed to export geocache databases to mobile CacheBox Apps (for Android and Windows Mobile) and to reimport changes back to the WinCachebox database. WinCachebox is a free open-source application.

[GOF and Bacall]

Interesting that shop and partnering come before community. A well, I guess it isn't really a big deal.

 

• Added a check to hide unpublished Challenges from non-owners

 

Do we now have ownership of the challenges we create?

[OpinioNate]

• Added a check to hide unpublished Challenges from non-owners

 

Do we now have ownership of the challenges we create?

 

Unpublished Challenges are under your direct control, so in that sense you would have ownership.

[GOF and Bacall]

It may be a good idea to place a link to the parksandpolice page under the learn tab. If I was to come to this site looking for such information that is likely the first place I would look.

[+Ike 13]

No avatar pixelation fix :-(

[+Chrysalides]

Update Mystery and Multi-cache Coordinates

 

Now with Pocket Query support!

 

In the last release we made it possible for Basic and Premium Members to add "corrected" coordinates to Mystery and Multi-caches. Visit the cache page and click the pencil icon next to coordinates, paste your new coordinates in the field and submit. That's it! The new coordinates will be hidden from others so there is no reason to fear spoiling the final location. When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

Question : is there an indication in the GPX that the coordinates have been corrected? Is there an option (perhaps an extension to GPX) to send both the posted as well as the corrected coordinates?

 

The reason for corrected coordinates is so that we can quickly determine which puzzle have been solved before we download the cache to our GPS device.

[+gvsu4msu]

Will the "new" maps ever show a PQ correctly? It shows your PQ caches with "balloons" but it also shows every other cache in the world.

 

Can this somehow be fixed so that when I run a PQ I can see exactly what is in it and not what I did NOT want in it?

 

Kind of makes PQs useless from a "see the results" perspective.

[+Gushoneybun]

Update Mystery and Multi-cache Coordinates

 

Now with Pocket Query support!

 

In the last release we made it possible for Basic and Premium Members to add "corrected" coordinates to Mystery and Multi-caches. Visit the cache page and click the pencil icon next to coordinates, paste your new coordinates in the field and submit. That's it! The new coordinates will be hidden from others so there is no reason to fear spoiling the final location. When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

Question : is there an indication in the GPX that the coordinates have been corrected? Is there an option (perhaps an extension to GPX) to send both the posted as well as the corrected coordinates?

 

The reason for corrected coordinates is so that we can quickly determine which puzzle have been solved before we download the cache to our GPS device.

 

No. I just downloaded a corrected cache into a seperate GSAK database and it has brought my corrected coordinates down with it but nothing tells me they are not the orignal coordinates, the published coordinates would be good as a child waypoint.

[+WantedDeadOrAlive]

I like the new feature "add "corrected" coordinates to Mystery and Multi-caches".

I noticed that just the Icon on the small map moves to the corrected position. Please also move the Icon on the large map (orginal & beta map). So you can get a better overview where space for a new Cache could be or if you have solved a Mystery-Serie, you see by one view on the map the best way to walk to find them all.

 

It also would be nice when the Cache gets a new icon when you made a coordinates correction. It´s easier to notice which Mystery / Multi are already solved when they show a different Icon. For example the blue ? ist after the correction green.

Please also add a new GPX-Attribute to the GPX-File that it is clear that the coordinates in the file have been corrected.

For example <wpt lat="47.xxxxxx" lon="9.yyyyyy" corrected="True">

 

Thanks!

 

kind regards from Austria

[+The A-Team]

In the last release we made it possible for Basic and Premium Members to add "corrected" coordinates to Mystery and Multi-caches. Visit the cache page and click the pencil icon next to coordinates, paste your new coordinates in the field and submit. That's it! The new coordinates will be hidden from others so there is no reason to fear spoiling the final location. When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

But they still don't show in the corrected position on the Beta Map, and it's still limited to only Mystery and Multis. It most definitely needs to be extended to all cache types.

 

Like GOF and Bacall, I noticed right away that the ordering of menu items on the front page is a little suspect. Shopping is now more important than community? What is this game coming to?

 

Overall, this update doesn't seem to have created any new problems, but that's mainly because it really didn't do much. Most of the changes (other than the PQ changes) are just minor tinkering with the UI.

[+Chrysalides]

Like GOF and Bacall, I noticed right away that the ordering of menu items on the front page is a little suspect. Shopping is now more important than community? What is this game coming to?

I've always thought that the forums is the most unfriendly aspect of geocaching so that's probably for the better

[jholly]

Will the "new" maps ever show a PQ correctly? It shows your PQ caches with "balloons" but it also shows every other cache in the world.

 

Can this somehow be fixed so that when I run a PQ I can see exactly what is in it and not what I did NOT want in it?

 

Kind of makes PQs useless from a "see the results" perspective.

On the left pane disable all cache types. Your left with just the balloons of the PQ. I have noticed that not all caches in the PQ are shown.

[+gvsu4msu]

Will the "new" maps ever show a PQ correctly? It shows your PQ caches with "balloons" but it also shows every other cache in the world.

 

Can this somehow be fixed so that when I run a PQ I can see exactly what is in it and not what I did NOT want in it?

 

Kind of makes PQs useless from a "see the results" perspective.

On the left pane disable all cache types. Your left with just the balloons of the PQ. I have noticed that not all caches in the PQ are shown.

 

That kind of defeats the purposes of seeing the caches in the PQ - it is nice to see that cache icon along with it's location.

[+Rabiz]

When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

 

I just tried this, but somehow it doesn't work yet, none of my corrected coordinates appeared - but maybe it takes some time until it works in the hole system.

 

But if it will work there is one thing that would be very helpful: In the "Selected Types"-Box in the New Pocket Query Site there should be the possibility to choose "Unknown Cache with corrected coordinates"! I don't need any unsolved Unknown Caches in my PQ, but as a solved one is quite the same as a traditional or multi cache it should be possible to include them in a PQ.

 

Thanks

 

Rabiz

 

Edit: Maybe even with a new icon - eg a green question mark instead of a blue one...

Edited December 6, 2011 by Rabiz

[+gvsu4msu]

When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

 

I just tried this, but somehow it doesn't work yet, none of my corrected coordinates appeared - but maybe it takes some time until it works in the hole system.

 

But if it will work there is one thing that would be very helpful: In the "Selected Types"-Box in the New Pocket Query Site there should be the possibility to choose "Unknown Cache with corrected coordinates"! I don't need any unsolved Unknown Caches in my PQ, but as a solved one is quite the same as a traditional or multi cache it should be possible to include them in a PQ.

 

Thanks

 

Rabiz

 

Edit: Maybe even with a new icon - eg a green question mark instead of a blue one...

 

What about the scenario where there is a final or bonus to a "series" of caches. Would you not want that Unknown in your PQ especially if you are doing the qualifying caches?

[stebu]

I can't see the beta map! There's no map, just some text and links. When I try the original map, it shows Seattle. And I'm almost on the oppesite side of the globe.

 

Cleared cookies, restarted Firefox (8.0) on Win7.

 

Edit: Now, 15 mins later beta map works OK ?

Edited December 6, 2011 by stebu

[stebu]

I also noticed that now pictures in the logs are displayed in a stamp sized window. Before the update my uploded pictures were shown much larger.

[GOF and Bacall]

Overall, this update doesn't seem to have created any new problems, but that's mainly because it really didn't do much. Most of the changes (other than the PQ changes) are just minor tinkering with the UI.

 

I think taking small bites is a big improvement. Work on one or two of the real issues for every release and whatever minor adjustments and/or corrections you can work into it and avoid the problems that always seem to arise when too much is changed at one time.

[+Chrysalides]

When you download the GPX from the cache or generate a Pocket Query your new coordinates are included.

I just tried this, but somehow it doesn't work yet, none of my corrected coordinates appeared - but maybe it takes some time until it works in the hole system.

Did you download previously generated PQs, or did you request for new PQs?

[+The A-Team]

I also noticed that now pictures in the logs are displayed in a stamp sized window. Before the update my uploded pictures were shown much larger.

Wow, now that you mention it, I'm seeing the same thing. I just went back to find some of my own photos, and they come up fine from the user gallery and cache gallery. Clicking on them from the cache page, though, brings them up tiny.

[+Semper Questio]

The reason for corrected coordinates is so that we can quickly determine which puzzle have been solved before we download the cache to our GPS device.

 

While this may well be true for you and others, it certainly isn't true for everyone. My main reason for wanting them is to download the updated coords in my PQ to get them to my gizmo more easily and with far less manual intervention.

 

I keep track of what I've solved by ignoring puzzles in my regular weekly PQ and and I keep track of solved ones in a solved puzzles bookmark from which I generate a separate weekly PQ.

 

All that being said, some kind of flag, forced attribute, or unique icon (with associated PQ options) would be handy and could potentially make my process even easier.

[+Backdraft007]

But if it will work there is one thing that would be very helpful: In the "Selected Types"-Box in the New Pocket Query Site there should be the possibility to choose "Unknown Cache with corrected coordinates"! I don't need any unsolved Unknown Caches in my PQ, but as a solved one is quite the same as a traditional or multi cache it should be possible to include them in a PQ.

 

+1

[+dfx]

What about the scenario where there is a final or bonus to a "series" of caches. Would you not want that Unknown in your PQ especially if you are doing the qualifying caches?

 

That's quite the special case. A quick workaround to include those listings anyway would be to put some other bogus corrected coordinates (potentially even the same ones, not sure if that would have the desired effect).

[+thebruce0]

re: photos, yep same here.The image URL is the wrong one for the standard size image, but only on the cache listing page. The popup image should be the same URL as the one popped up when clicking on the gallery page itself.

[knowschad]

It may be a good idea to place a link to the parksandpolice page under the learn tab. If I was to come to this site looking for such information that is likely the first place I would look.

 

Good point!

 

Where *is* the link to the parksandpolicepage now? I only got there by modifying the URL.

[+Avernar]

What about the scenario where there is a final or bonus to a "series" of caches. Would you not want that Unknown in your PQ especially if you are doing the qualifying caches?

Use the same trick as in GSAK: Correct the coordinates with the same coordinates.

 

I just tried it on a cache and it works, the site indicates the coordinates have been corrected even if they're the same.

[OpinioNate]

Please also add a new GPX-Attribute to the GPX-File that it is clear that the coordinates in the file have been corrected.

For example <wpt lat="47.xxxxxx" lon="9.yyyyyy" corrected="True">

 

 

In the latest design of our schema we include an attribute for this. Once third parties have a chance to prepare for the change we'll release it to the public.

[+Rabiz]

I just tried this, but somehow it doesn't work yet, none of my corrected coordinates appeared - but maybe it takes some time until it works in the hole system.

Did you download previously generated PQs, or did you request for new PQs?

 

Sure, in order to prevent getting old data, I created a new PQ and the result was without the corrected coords, but just as I guessed the system didn't yet get the change completely, now after an hour I tried again and it works. But there is no possibility to find out if the coords are original or corrected, let's see what future brings!

 

Rabiz

[jholly]

Please also add a new GPX-Attribute to the GPX-File that it is clear that the coordinates in the file have been corrected.

For example <wpt lat="47.xxxxxx" lon="9.yyyyyy" corrected="True">

 

 

In the latest design of our schema we include an attribute for this. Once third parties have a chance to prepare for the change we'll release it to the public.

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

[+The A-Team]

But there is no possibility to find out if the coords are original or corrected, let's see what future brings!

There will be once the GPX schema linked to by OpinioNate comes into effect. I like the changes outlined there. The change to a numerical lookup value for many fields will make future expansion much easier. Hopefully, once that schema is in use, they should be able to easily add the long-awaited "nano" size. I also like the addition of images associated with a listing. That will help greatly with offline apps.

[+Chrysalides]

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

Well, I've always known we're just members of the unwashed masses, now we have confirmation

 

To OpinioNate : glad to know it's in the pipeline. Thanks for the update.

[+BBosman]

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

Same here.

[OpinioNate]

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

Well, I've always known we're just members of the unwashed masses, now we have confirmation

 

To OpinioNate : glad to know it's in the pipeline. Thanks for the update.

 

Oh dear, I think the forum software is preventing it from being downloaded by anyone but an admin based on the topic permissions. Lemme figure something else out.

 

Edit: I uploaded the zip file to Google Docs.

[jholly]

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

Well, I've always known we're just members of the unwashed masses, now we have confirmation

 

To OpinioNate : glad to know it's in the pipeline. Thanks for the update.

 

Oh dear, I think the forum software is preventing it from being downloaded by anyone but an admin based on the topic permissions. Lemme figure something else out.

 

Edit: I uploaded the zip file to Google Docs.

Thank you.

[+Viajero Perdido]

New release, let's see...

 

Blah, blah, blah, pictures are smaller.

 

Back up, what?

 

[Sandy]

Please note that the Knowledge Books are still a part of our user support, but that the page is renamed "Help Center". For more information, see here.

[knowschad]

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

Well, I've always known we're just members of the unwashed masses, now we have confirmation

 

To OpinioNate : glad to know it's in the pipeline. Thanks for the update.

 

I wash.

[knowschad]

Please note that the Knowledge Books are still a part of our user support, but that the page is renamed "Help Center". For more information, see here.

 

I already used the new term today in an answer to a forum question, even before the change was announced. How many points to I get for that?

[knowschad]

VLA (Very Low Angst) question: I suppose this is going to have to be a request to the Website forum, but do I really *have* to see the "Learn", "Community", and "Shop" menus if I don't want to? And I don't.

[+Chrysalides]

VLA (Very Low Angst) question: I suppose this is going to have to be a request to the Website forum, but do I really *have* to see the "Learn", "Community", and "Shop" menus if I don't want to? And I don't.

VLA answer : an oily primate script (assuming you're still running Firefox or Chrome).

 

I'd write one for you, but you have to stop washing first.

Edited December 7, 2011 by Chrysalides

[+t4e]

Please note that the Knowledge Books are still a part of our user support, but that the page is renamed "Help Center". For more information, see here.

 

personally i don't think changing the name makes a lot of sense now after so many years

 

in any case would make way more sense to have the Help Center in the "learn" drop down menu rather than play

[+dfx]

VLA (Very Low Angst) question: I suppose this is going to have to be a request to the Website forum, but do I really *have* to see the "Learn", "Community", and "Shop" menus if I don't want to? And I don't.

VLA answer : an oily primate script (assuming you're still running Firefox or Chrome).

 

I'd write one for you, but you have to stop washing first.

 

Another VLA (did I mention that I hate the word A?) is ABP. Add the following 3 rules:

 

geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavLearn)
geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavShop)
geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavCommunity)

[+JL_HSTRE]

CacheBox for Android

 

CacheBox is a paperless mobile geocaching software for Android with online and offline maps support and Geocaching.com Live API capability. Manage and find mystery caches with intelligent handling of Final Waypoints and the Mystery-Solver module. Features include multi-database support, image and spoiler view, Field Notes upload, track recording and viewing. Cachebox is a free open-source application.

 

There doesn't seem to be any mention until you try to find the app that everything related to CacheBox seems to be in German.

 

Also, this app doesn't seem to be listed in the Droid Market yet. I found it on SourceForge, but one of the Permissions it wants is "Services that cost you money - directly call phone numbers"?! I've never seen an app ask for that permission before and don't see why it would be necessary?

[+Chrysalides]

Another VLA (did I mention that I hate the word A?) is ABP. Add the following 3 rules:

 

geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavLearn)
geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavShop)
geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavCommunity)

Thanks! I thought of blocking id=ct100_liNavLearn but strangely only the line item for NavProfile has an ID... didn't notice the anchor ID. But you're suppose to make knowschad promise not to wash himself first.

[+Dr.MORO]

Domo!!!

 

Well, as a photo-logger, I'm quite surprised that the picture pop-up window is now showing "Smaller" photos than before.

 

Disappointing...

 

Please put back the size it was before today's "update".

 

~ Dr.MORO

[knowschad]

Please note that the Knowledge Books are still a part of our user support, but that the page is renamed "Help Center". For more information, see here.

 

personally i don't think changing the name makes a lot of sense now after so many years

 

in any case would make way more sense to have the Help Center in the "learn" drop down menu rather than play

 

It hasn't been so many years for the newbies, who are the ones that most need to find that document. Those of us that have been around for a while will find it anyway.

[knowschad]

Another VLA (did I mention that I hate the word A?) is ABP. Add the following 3 rules:

 

geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavLearn)
geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavShop)
geocaching.com#a(id=ctl00_hlNavCommunity)

Thanks! I thought of blocking id=ct100_liNavLearn but strangely only the line item for NavProfile has an ID... didn't notice the anchor ID. But you're suppose to make knowschad promise not to wash himself first.

 

Too late. I added them already, before I saw your demands. I wash, AND I have hidden those menus. Mwahahahaha!

[+Dgwphotos]

It may be a good idea to place a link to the parksandpolice page under the learn tab. If I was to come to this site looking for such information that is likely the first place I would look.

 

Good point!

 

Where *is* the link to the parksandpolicepage now? I only got there by modifying the URL.

It's at the bottom of the page, underneath questions and suggestions.

Edited December 7, 2011 by Dgwphotos

[+greiol]

Can't download the .zip file, it errors with [#10171] You do not have permission to view this attachment. Are only the chosen few allowed to see this document?

Well, I've always known we're just members of the unwashed masses, now we have confirmation

 

To OpinioNate : glad to know it's in the pipeline. Thanks for the update.

 

Oh dear, I think the forum software is preventing it from being downloaded by anyone but an admin based on the topic permissions. Lemme figure something else out.

 

Edit: I uploaded the zip file to Google Docs.

After a quick check of the example and the specs the "not" for attributes seems to have gone. or did i miss something?

[+Seawind]

Fantastic!!

 

When I received the news about the new ability to enter final coordinates, I methodically began updating all my puzzle and multi finds and owned caches with those data. It was quite a job!

 

This morning, my PQs ran and everything was just as anticipated. Formerly, I had been maintaining manual GPX files to contain all the finals and multis, and as such, never had access to the listings and logs. What a great change.

 

Everything worked beautifully and I now have a much easier way to maintain final data and have much more information available in the field.

 

I don't like my own caches to show up as "Unfound" on my Garmin, since it really muddies up the list of unfounds. So I wrote a VB program to read the GPX PQ file and change the status of all owned caches to "Found". The program also adds my initials to the front of the cache names, and they are now easily identifiable on the GPS receiver. Works great!

 

Bravo and thank you, Groundspeak!!