How To...

Geocache

  1. Loading geocaches to a Garmin GPSr
  2. Navigating to a geocache
  3. Geocaching with (spoiler) photos
  4. Uploading geocache logs
  5. Triangulate a geocache location
  6. Save 'Next Stage' waypoints for future review
  7. Removing geocaches from a Garmin GPSr
  8. Custom Geocache Symbols
  9. Custom Geocache POI's
  10. Geocache Terminology

 

 


1. Loading geocaches to a Garmin GPSr

  1. Load a single geocache from the geocaching.com geocache webpage
     
    1. Open geocaching.com webpage for desired geocache (coord.info/GC Code)
    2. Select 'Download GPX'



    3. Save the *.gpx file to the [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX or [microSD]\Garmin\GPX directory

     

  2. Load a PQ (pocket query) from geocaching.com
     
    1. Create a Pocket Query
    2. View your Pocket Queries
    3. Select the 'Pocket Queries Ready for Download' tab
    4. Download desired Pocket Query by clicking on the PQ name in the list
    5. Unzip the downloaded PQ archive
    6. For geocache data, copy the larger *.gpx file to the [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX or [microSD]\Garmin\GPX directory
    7. To include child waypoint data, copy the smaller *-wpts.gpx file to the [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX or [microSD]\Garmin\GPX directory

     

  3. Load a List from geocaching.com
     
    1. Create a List
    2. Open your My Lists page at geocaching.com
    3. Select menu icon for desired list and choose 'Send to Garmin'



    4. Follow Garmin Express prompts to complete the transfer

     

  4. Load a geocache from the Map Search page at geocaching.com
     
    1. Open geocaching.com Map Search page
    2. Select desired geocache from Map
    3. Choose 'Download GPX' or 'Send to Garmin'



    4. Follow prompts to complete the download

     

  5. Transfer Geocaches using the 'Share Wirelessly' feature
     
    1. See Wireless - Share Wirelessly

     

  6. Download geocaching.com PQs and Lists to a GC Live enabled Garmin GPSr
     
    1. Example: PQ List Download on Garmin Oregon 7x0
    2. Example: PQ List Download on Garmin GPSMAP 66
    3. Example: PQ List Download on Garmin Montana 7x0

     

  7. Download a specific geocache directly to a GC Live enabled Garmin GPSr
     
    1. Example: Download Geocache Directly to a Garmin Oregon 7x0
    2. Example: Download Geocache Directly to a Garmin GPSMAP 66
    3. Example: Download Geocache Directly to a Garmin Montana 7x0

     

  8. Download nearby geocaches directly to a GC Live enabled Garmin GPSr
     
    1. Example: Download Nearby Geocaches Directly to a Garmin Oregon 7x0
    2. Example: Download Nearby Geocaches Directly to a Garmin GPSMAP 66
    3. Example: Download Nearby Geocaches Directly to a Garmin Montana 7x0
    4. Example: Download Nearby Geocaches Directly to a Garmin eTrex SE

 

 


2. Navigating to a geocache

  1. See Navigation - Navigating to a geocache

 

 


3. Geocaching with (spoiler) photos

  1. Many Garmin GPSr can display both geocache photos and geocache spoiler photos when properly loaded to the device
  2. See Geocaching with Photos for more information

 

 


4. Uploading geocache logs

  1. Users with GC Live capable Garmin GPSr configured to automatically upload geocache logs should already see their geocache logs online
  2. In all other cases, geocache logs must be uploaded manually
  3. See Upload drafts (field notes) for detailed geocache log upload instructions
  4. Connect your GPSr to your computer via USB and upload your geocache logs
  5. Tip: We recommend you do not edit or delete the geocache_visits.txt or geocache_logs.xml files on your device

 

 


5. Triangulate a geocache location

  1. See Triangulation

 

 


6. Save 'Next Stage' waypoints for future review

  1. The process of saving 'Next Stage' waypoints for later review is essentially identical on all Garmin GPSr.
     
    1. Garmin pushbutton GPSr:
       
      1. Example: Saving a Next Stage waypoint on an eTrex x0, x0x, x2x
      2. Example: Saving a Next Stage waypoint on a GPSMAP 66

    2. Garmin touchscreen GPSr:
       
      1. Example: Saving a Next Stage waypoint on an eTrex Touch
      2. Example: Saving a Next Stage waypoint on an Oregon 7x0
      3. Example: Saving a Next Stage waypoint on a Montana 7x0

 

 


7. Removing geocaches from a Garmin GPSr

  1. Remove a single geocache loaded from the geocaching.com geocache webpage
     
    1. Remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{GC Code}.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr

     

  2. Remove a PQ (pocket query) loaded from geocaching.com
     
    1. For PQ geocaches, remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{PQ Name}.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr
    2. For PQ child waypoints, remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{PQ Name}-wpts.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr

     

  3. Remove a List loaded from geocaching.com
     
    1. Remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{GC List Name}.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr

     

  4. Remove a geocache loaded from the Map Search page at geocaching.com
     
    1. To remove geocaches loaded from the Map Search page using the 'Download GPX' option:
      • Remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{GC Code}.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr
    2. To remove geocaches loaded from the Map Search page using the 'Send to Garmin' option:
      • Remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{GC Name} - {GC Code}.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr

         
  5. Remove a geocache loaded using the 'Share Wirelessly' feature
     
    1. Remove the desired [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\{GC Code}.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr

       
  6. Remove all geocaches, PQs and Lists loaded to a Garmin GPSr vis GC Live
     
    1. The following procedure will remove all GC Live data loaded to a Garmin GPSr
    2. Alternatively, PQs and Lists can be individually filtered (examples: Oregon 7x0, GPSMAP 66)
    3. On the desired Garmin GPSr; select [Setup > Geocaching > Geocaching Live > Remove Live Data > Yes]

       
  7. Remove geocache logs from a Garmin GPSr
     
    1. Remove or Delete the [GPSr]\Garmin\geocache_visits.txt file from your Garmin GPSr
    2. Remove or Delete the [GPSr]\Garmin\geocache_logs.xml file from your Garmin GPSr

       
  8. Remove preloaded geocaches from a Garmin GPSr
     
    1. Remove or Delete the [GPSr]\Garmin\GGZ\preload.ggz file from your Garmin GPSr, or
    2. Rename the [GPSr]\Garmin\GGZ\preload.ggz file to [GPSr]\Garmin\GGZ\preload.old to disable without removing

       
  9. Remove geocache child waypoints loaded via GC Live from a Garmin GPSr
     
    1. Remove or Delete the [GPSr]\Garmin\GPX\additional_waypoints.gpx file from your Garmin GPSr

 

 


8. Custom Geocache Symbols

  1. See Waypoints > Custom Waypoint Symbols

 

 


9. Custom Geocache POI's

  1. See Geocache Proximity Alerts to create geocache proximity alert POI's for your Garmin GPSr
  2. See Corrected Coordinates POI to identify solved puzzle caches with updated coordinates on your Garmin GPSr
  3. See Export Benchmarks as POI to load an unlimited number of benchmark locations as POI's to your Garmin GPSr
  4. See Export Waymarks as POI to load an unlimited number of benchmark locations as POI's to your Garmin GPSr

 

 


10. Geocache Terminology

     
    A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
     
    ALR
      Additional Logging Requirement. Logging requirements beyond finding the geocache and signing the log. All ALRs must be optional for finders of a geocache.
     
    Ammo Can
      Ammunition boxes or ammo cans are containers originally designed for safe transport and storage of ammunition. Ammo cans are popular containers for regular or large geocaches.
     
    APE (Project A.P.E) cache
      In 2001, fourteen geocaches were placed in conjunction with 20th Century Fox to support the movie Planet of the Apes. Each geocache represented a fictional story in which scientists revealed an Alternative Primate Evolution. These geocaches were made using specially marked ammo cans and contained original props from the movie. Only one original Project A.P.E. cache still exists today.
     
    Archived
      Archiving a cache removes the listing from public view on Geocaching.com. This action is usually taken when a cache owner does not intend to replace a cache after it has been removed. As an alternative to archiving, the cache owner can temporarily disable their cache if they plan to provide maintenance on the cache or replace the container within one month.
     
    Attributes
      Icons featured on a details page for geocaches that describe specific characteristics of a geocache. There are several classes of attributes, such as whether or not you need special equipment, possible hazards along the way, or unique conditions one should be aware of. Attributes can show whether or not a cache is wheelchair accessible, dog friendly, requires a flashlight, and more. Attributes are also a tool to help you filter the types of geocaches you would like to search for when building a Pocket Query.
     
    Basic Member
      The introductory membership type for Geocaching.com. There are two types of membership, Basic and Premium. Geocaching Premium Membership offers additional features that Basic membership does not provide.
     
    Benchmark
      Using your GPS unit and/or written directions provided by NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS), you can seek out NGS survey markers and other items that have been marked in the USA. See How To... > Benchmark for more information.
     
    BLM
      The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers millions of acres of America's public lands, located primarily in 12 Western States. The BLM sustains the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
     
    Bookmark List
      A Premium Member feature that can be used to group cache listings in whatever way you like. You may want a bookmark list of caches you intend to find this weekend, or perhaps an 'all-time favorite' list you can share with friends.
     
    Bug
      Also known as a Travel Bug. A trackable tag with a unique code that can be attached to an item. The trackable is then carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world, and its progress can be followed on Geocaching.com.
     
    BYOP
      'Bring Your Own Pen/Pencil'. An acronym often used by cache owners to communicate to other geocachers that you will need to bring your writing utensil in order to sign the cache logbook.
     
    Cache
      A shortened version of the word geocache.
     
    Cacher
      Also known as Geocacher. One who participates in geocaching.
     
    Caches along a Route
      A Premium Member feature that allows you to identify caches along a specific route for quick and easy geocaching. You can choose from routes already created by other geocachers or use Google Earth to build your own unique trip.
     
    Challenge cache
      A type of geocache that requires seekers to find an associated physical cache, and to find an additional set of geocaches as defined by the challenge owner. Challenge caches encourage geocachers to set and achieve fun goals.
     
    Charter Member
      During the very early years of Geocaching.com when Premium Memberships were first offered, they were called Charter Memberships to thank those who supported the web site. Be sure to thank the Charter Members you meet on the trail since the site would not be here today without them.
     
    CITO
      'Cache In Trash Out' is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly places around the world.
     
    Collectible
      A status assigned to any trackable item that people can keep it in their possession, and do not have to physically move it to another geocache. Conversely, non-collectible trackable items can be easily grabbed, dropped, discovered, etc.
     
    Collection
      A grouping or list of collectible trackable items that can be seen only by the owner. Trackables in a collection can only be discovered, and cannot be grabbed, dropped or dipped. Conversely, items in an Inventory can be seen by other geocachers and can be grabbed, dropped, discovered, etc.
     
    Coordinates
      A pair of numbers (latitude and longitude) that pinpoint an exact position, or waypoint, on the Earth. Latitudes are horizontal lines on the globe that run parallel to the Equator (similar to rungs on a ladder). Latitudes never intersect, and one degree of latitude equals approximately 69 miles (111 kilometers). Longitudes (also called meridians) are vertical lines on the globe that converge at the North and South Poles. They are widest apart from each other at the Equator. The Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, England near zero degrees longitude.
     
    Datum
      In the case of GPS, datums are different calculations for determining longitude and latitude for a given location. A datum is chosen to give the best fit given the true shape of the Earth. Currently, Geocaching.com uses the WGS84 datum for all caches.
     
    Dipping
      The act of logging a trackable into a geocache, and immediately logging it back into one's possession. This registers miles traveled on a trackable. You can also achieve the same goal with a 'Visit' log.
     
    Disabled
      A status used to mark a geocache as temporarily inactive. A disabled geocache may need repairs or could be in an inaccessible area (construction, hunting, winter closures, etc). This status is meant to be temporary and should be resolved within a reasonable amount of time.
     
    DNF
      'Did Not Find'. An acronym used by geocachers to state that they did not find a cache. This is also a type of online log on Geocaching.com and is useful for alerting cache owners of potential issues. Cache owners who repeatedly receive 'Did Not Find' logs should check to see that there cache has not been lost or removed.
     
    D/T
      'Difficulty/Terrain'. Geocaches are rated in two categories, each designated on a 5-point scale. Difficulty relates to the mental challenge of finding a cache and terrain describes the physical environment. A 1/1 difficulty/terrain rating would the easiest cache to find, while a 5/5 difficulty/terrain rating would be the most difficult.
     
    EarthCache
      An EarthCache is a special place that people can visit to learn about a unique geoscience feature of our Earth. EarthCache pages include a set of educational notes along with cache coordinates. Visitors to EarthCaches can see how geological processes have shaped our planet, how we manage its resources and how scientists gather evidence to learn about the Earth.
     
    Event cache
      An Event cache is a gathering of geocachers or geocaching organizations. The Event cache page specifies a time for the event and provides coordinates to its location. Attending and logging an Event cache increases your find count.
     
    Find Count
      The number of geocaches a player has found.
     
    FTF
      'First To Find'. An acronym written by geocachers in physical cache logbooks or online when logging cache finds to denote being the first to find a new geocache.
     
    GC Code
      A unique identifier associated with every geocache listing. The GC Code starts with the letters 'GC' and is followed by additional alphanumeric characters.
     
    Geocache
      A hidden container that usually includes a logbook for geocachers to sign. Also known as a cache. However, there are currently over a dozen geocache types, each type being a different variation of the game.
     
    Geocacher
      One who participates in geocaching.
     
    Geocaching
      A real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache hidden at that location.
     
    Geocoin
      Geocoins work similarly to Travel Bugs. They are coins with a unique code that can be attached to an item. The Geocoin is then carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world, and its progress can be followed on Geocaching.com. Geocoins are often created as signature items by geocachers and can also be used as collectibles.
     
    Giga-Event
      An Event Cache that is attended by more than 5000 people. These large events attract geocachers from all over the world and are often held annually. Note: A Mega-Event cache is attended by > 500 people.
     
    GNSS
      Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) refers to any satellite constellation that provides global positioning, navigation, and timing services.
     
    GPS
      The (United States) Global Positioning System is a space-based constellation of satellites that work with GPS receivers to determine your location on the planet.
     
    GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit
      The GPS Adventures Maze is a traveling educational exhibit developed to teach people of all ages about navigation, GPS technology and geocaching. A hands-on experience that features GPS technology (its history, current uses and future possibilities), it simulates geocaching by leading visitors through a 2,500 square foot maze rich with interactive science experiences. While the GPS Adventures Maze has ended its run in the United States, geocachers wishing to experience this exhibit will still have the opportunity to do so in Canada and at Mega-Events throughout Europe.
     
    GPSr
      Slang for a GPS receiver. Equipment that receives GPS signals for use in navigation.
     
    GPX
      The GPS eXchange format is a common GPS data format used to describe waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches that can be interchanged between GPS devices and software.
     
    GZ
      'Ground Zero'. The point where your GPS device shows that you have reached the cache location. At Ground Zero, you are zero feet (or zero meters) away from your destination.
     
    Hitchhiker
      A hitchhiker is an item that is placed in a cache, and has instructions to travel to other caches. Sometimes they have logbooks attached so you can log their travels. A Travel Bug is an example of a hitchhiker.
     
    Inventory
      A grouping or list of non-collectible trackable items that can be seen by other geocachers. Trackables in an inventory can be grabbed, dropped, discovered, etc. Conversely, items in a collection can only be seen by the owner and can only be discovered (not grabbed, dropped or dipped).
     
    Latitude
      Latitude and longitude create a waypoint. Latitude is the angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees.
     
    Legacy cache
      In geocaching, the word 'legacy' refers to a cache that is allowed to remain active based on a rule or guideline that has since changed or no longer exists. Legacy caches should continue to be good examples of geocaching. They remain active as long as their owners maintain them and the placement doesn’t cause problems in the community.
     
    Letterbox(ing)
      Letterboxing is another form of treasure hunting using clues instead of coordinates. In some cases, the letterbox owner has made their container both a letterbox and a geocache and posted its coordinates on Geocaching.com. If there is a stamp inside a Letterbox Hybrid, it is not an item intended for trade; the stamp is meant to remain in the box so visitors can use it to record their visit.
     
    LN
      'Left Nothing'. A common term used when a geocacher leaves nothing in the geocache and simply signs the logbook.
     
    LOC
      An abbreviation for LOCation, this is the original download format for the Geocaching search results page.
     
    Locationless (Reverse) cache
      A legacy cache type considered the opposite of a Traditional Cache. Instead of finding a hidden container, geocachers locate a specific object and log its coordinates. Locationless (Reverse) Caches are no longer supported by Geocaching.com, but have evolved into Waymarking. See How To... > Waymark for more information.
     
    Lock & Lock
      Lock & Lock (also seen as Lock 'n Lock or Locknlock) is a type of container that uses four snaps on the lid to create a seal. While used colloquially by geocachers, 'Lock & Lock' is actually a specific brand of this kind of container.
     
    Log
      The physical record of everyone who has signed/interacted with a geocache.
    Also, The online record of everyone who has interacted with a geocache.
    Also, the online record of anyone who has interacted with a trackable.
    Also, the physical logbook inside a cache is often referred to as a log.
    Also, the act of recording a find, as in, “I am going to log this cache”.
    Additionally, online cache logs can record finds, DNFs, notes, suggest a cache needs maintenance, etc.
     
    Logbook
      A physical record of everyone who has found a geocache. Usually made of paper, logbooks come in many different sizes, shapes, and formats.
     
    Longitude
      Latitude and longitude create a waypoint. Longitude is the angular distance measured on a great circle of reference from the intersection of the adopted zero meridian with this reference circle to the similar intersection of the meridian passing through the object.
     
    LPC
      'Lamp Post Cache'. A common type of geocache hidden under an unsecured lamp post base.
     
    Mega-Event cache
      An Event Cache that is attended by more than 500 people. These large events attract geocachers from all over the world and are often held annually. Note: A Giga-Event cache is attended by > 5000 people.
     
    Micro
      The smallest geocache size. Micros are about the size of a film canister, and sometimes smaller. Nanos (about the size of a pencil eraser) are a subset of Micros.
     
    Muggle
      A non-geocacher. Based on 'Muggle' from the Harry Potter series, which is a non-magical person. Usually this term is used after a non geocacher looks puzzled after befriending a geocacher searching for a cache, or when a non-geocacher accidentally finds a cache.
     
    Muggled
      The discovery of a geocache by a non geocacher. When a cache has been 'muggled', it usually means it was dismantled or removed by an unsuspecting non-player.
     
    Multi-Cache (offset cache)
      A Multi-Cache involves two or more locations. The final location is a physical container. There are many variations, but most Multi-Caches have a first stage with a hint to find the second stage, and the second stage has a hint to the third, and so on.
     
    Mystery cache
      The catch-all of cache types, this form of cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates. Examples include complicated ciphers, simple substitutions, arithmetical quizzes and clues cleverly hidden within the graphics. Due to the increasing creativity of geocaching this becomes the staging ground for new and unique challenges.
     
    NAD27
      Stands for North American Datum 1927. The precursor to WGS84. Many maps still use the NAD27 datum , so always check before using a GPS unit with a map.
     
    Nano
      The tiniest of all Micros - the smallest unofficial geocache size. Nanos are about the size of a pencil eraser.
     
    Pocket Query (PQ)
      A Premium Member feature, a Pocket Query is custom geocache search that you can have emailed to you on a daily or weekly basis. Pocket Queries give you the ability to filter your searches so you only receive information on the caches you want to search for in either a GPX or LOC format. This feature lets you download up to 500 caches at one time.
     
    Posted Coordinates
      The main latitude and longitude listed for a geocache are called posted coordinates. Posted coordinates can be the location of the container, the first stage of the cache hunt, or a general reference point in the area. They also are the location where Events take place.
     
    Power Trail
      A path with a large number of caches placed within close proximity to each other. Promotes players' ability to easily increase their find count.
     
    Premium Member
      Geocaching.com members with a paid Geocaching Premium Membership. Premium members have more features available to them than Basic members.
     
    Project A.P.E. (APE) cache
      In 2001, fourteen geocaches were placed in conjunction with 20th Century Fox to support the movie Planet of the Apes. Each geocache represented a fictional story in which scientists revealed an Alternative Primate Evolution. These geocaches were made using specially marked ammo cans and contained original props from the movie. Only one original Project A.P.E. cache still exists today.
     
    Puzzle Cache
      A type of Mystery cache involving puzzles to be solved to determine the final coordinates. The puzzle should be solvable from the information provided on the cache page.
     
    Reviewer
      Volunteers from all over the world who publish the cache listings on geocaching.com.
     
    ROT13
      Hints for geocaches are encrypted using a simple format where each of the letters are rotated 13 characters up or down in the alphabet.

    Decryption Key:

    A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
    N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

    (letter above equals letter below, and vice versa)
     
    Signature Item
      An item unique to a specific geocacher that is left behind in caches to signify that they visited that cache. These often include personal Geocoins, tokens, pins, craft items or calling cards.
     
    SL
      'Signed Log'.
     
    Spoiler
      A spoiler is information that can give details away and ruin the experience of something. For example, telling someone the end of a movie before they see it. In geocaching, a spoiler gives away details of a cache location and can ruin the experience of the find.
     
    STF
      'Second To Find'. The second person to find a geocache after it has been placed.
     
    SWAG
      'Stuff We All Get'. Trade items left in caches by geocachers.
     
    TB
      'Travel Bug'. A tag with a unique code that can be attached to an item. The trackable is then carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world, and its progress can be followed on Geocaching.com. Also known as Trackables and Geocoins.
     
    TB Hotel
      Travel Bug Hotel. A geocache with the intended purpose of acting as an exchange point for Travel Bugs. These are almost always regular or large sized containers.
     
    TFTC
      'Thanks For The Cache'. An acronym written by geocachers in physical cache logbooks or online when logging cache finds.
     
    TFTH
      'Thanks For The Hide'.
     
    TNLN
      'Took Nothing. Left Nothing'. Usually written in cache logbooks by geocachers do not trade for material contents in a cache.
     
    TNLNSL
      'Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Signed Logbook'.
     
    TNSL
      'Took Nothing. Signed Logbook'.
     
    TOTT
      'Tools Of The Trade'. An acronym used for any of the tools that might be used to search for/retrieve/find/log a geocache.
     
    Trackable
      A tag with a unique code that can be attached to an item. The trackable is then carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world, and its progress can be followed on Geocaching.com. Also known as Travel Bugs, TBs, and Geocoins.
     
    Tracking Number
      A unique number associated with a Travel Bug or trackable. Tracking numbers are used as proof that a geocacher physically came in contact with an item. Tracking numbers also double as a way for users to locate the personal web page for a Travel Bug.
     
    Traditional Cache
      The original geocache type. The coordinates listed on the Traditional Cache page provide its location. Geocache containers vary in size, but must include a logbook or logsheet. Large geocaches generally include SWAG or trackable items for trade, while small micro caches may only hold a logsheet.
     
    Travel Bug (TB)
      A trackable tag with a unique code that can be attached to an item. The trackable is then carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world, and its progress can be followed on Geocaching.com.
     
    TTF
      'Third To Find'. The third person to find a geocache after it has been placed.
     
    USDA Forest Service (USFS)
      The U.S. Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, administers 191 million acres (77.3 million hectares) of National Forests, Grasslands, and Prairies. These public lands are generally geocaching-friendly, with exceptions of designated Wilderness Areas, and other specially designated botanical, wildlife, and archaeological sites. The phrase "Caring for the land and serving people" captures the Forest Service mission of achieving quality land management under the sustainable multiple-use concept to meet the diverse needs of people. The Information Center in the agency's national headquarters has been a Washington D.C. Virtual Geocache since August 12, 2001.
     
    UTM
      Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system. This is an alternative to the standard WGS84. UTM uses grids overlaying specific areas of the Earth’s surface and divides the Earth into 60 zones.
     
    Virtual cache
      This is one of several cache types no longer available for creation on Geocaching.com. A virtual cache is a cache that exists in a form of a location. Virtual caches have no cache container; the reward for these caches is the location itself and sharing information about your visit. Virtual caches are now considered waymarks on Waymarking.com. See How To... > Waymark for more information.
     
    Watch List
      A watchlist is a list of users that are watching a specific travel bug or cache. Each user receives a copy of each posted log via email.
     
    Waymarking
      Waymarking.com offers a way to mark unique locations on the planet and give them a voice. While GPS technology allows us to pinpoint any location on the planet, mark the location, and share it with others, Waymarking is the toolset for categorizing and adding unique information for that location. See How To... > Waymark for more information.
     
    Waypoint
      A waypoint is a reference point for a physical location on Earth. Waypoints are defined by a set of coordinates that typically include longitude, latitude and sometimes altitude. Every geocache listed on our website is a waypoint. Geocaching.com generates a unique GC Code associated with every geocache listing.
     
    Webcam cache
      A legacy cache type using existing web cameras placed by individuals or agencies that monitor various areas such as parks or business complexes. The idea is to get yourself in front of the camera to log your visit, then use a smartphone or ask a friend on a computer to look up the website displaying the camera shot. You or your friend must save the picture in order to log the cache. These are still available to find, but no longer available for creation on Geocaching.com. New Webcam caches are now in the Web Camera category on Waymarking.com. See How To... > Waymark for more information.
     
    WGS84
      The most current geodetic datum used for GPS is the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84). The significance of WGS84 comes about because GPS receivers rely on WGS84. Geocaching uses the WGS84 datum by default. We also use the format HDDD MM.MM, which is a standard for GPS receivers. HDD means Hemisphere and degrees. MM.MM are minutes in decimal format. It is critical that the format be correct, otherwise geocachers will be unable to find your cache!
     
    Wherigo cache
      Wherigo.com is a toolset for creating and playing GPS enabled adventures in the real world. By integrating a Wherigo experience, called a cartridge, with finding a cache, the geocaching hunt can be an even richer experience. Among other uses, Wherigo allows geocachers to interact with physical and virtual elements such as objects or characters while still finding a physical geocache container. A Wherigo-enabled GPS device or a smartphone running a Wherigo app is required to play a cartridge.