Caching in China

[+ileannkneel]

I am heading to China and would like to cache while there.  However, there seems to be a potential problem:

On both the web based platform and a geocaching app I use, the satellite imagery and the map do not line up. They seem to be off by a couple of hundred meters.  Is there an explanation for this?  Should I be concerned? Will this affect my ability to cache? Is there a solution? Have others experienced this or is my eyesight going bad?

[+ileannkneel]

I feel I need to clarify:  The geocaching website is fine.  It's when I use the app (c:geo) the map and the satellite views do not line up.  I do not know if it is specific to the app or whether this is a bigger issue.  I have heard through the grapevine that China has a satellite offset (?) that throws everything askew.  Is this true?

[+NYPaddleCacher]

On 11/4/2018 at 5:31 PM, ileannkneel said:

I am heading to China and would like to cache while there.  However, there seems to be a potential problem:

On both the web based platform and a geocaching app I use, the satellite imagery and the map do not line up. They seem to be off by a couple of hundred meters.  Is there an explanation for this?  Should I be concerned? Will this affect my ability to cache? Is there a solution? Have others experienced this or is my eyesight going bad?

 

That is the infamous China map shift.   It's done intentionally to prevent anyone unauthorized to do mapping/surveying (which is illegal in China).  Forget about the satellite imagery and just use the basemap.  If you're going to be in Beijing be sure to hit the Old and New Summer palaces and Olympic Forest Park.  There are lots of geocaches there and they're wonderful places to spend a day walking around.