Things You'll Need:
- GPS device
- The manaual for the GPS
- Any open area (eg: a park)
- 15 minutes of time.
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Step 1
Use the GPS manual to insert fresh batteries into the device and turn it on. GPS devices take a short time to capture a fix on your position from overhead satellites.
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Step 2
Scroll to the correct page which will show your location, usually represented by a dot or an arrow. Using the manual again, zoom in and out to look at the various areas of coverage. For traveling, a zoom of 5-10 miles is adequate, while walking, a zoom of 500 - 800 feet is sufficient.
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Step 3
Mark your present location in the open area. Most GPS devices will automatically supply a default name.
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Step 4
Walk a course due north (0 degrees) for 30 feet. Turn 90 degrees to the left and walk another 30 feet. Turn 90 degrees left again and walk another 30 feet. Turn 90 degrees left for the final time and walk another 30 feet. Examine the GPS device. You should now be at your original starting point.
You have now learned the first sign of being a geocacher - how to approach an object in a circular route. During your walk your GPS will have shown you the direction and distance away from the original starting point. -
Step 5
Using the same waypoint, turn the GPS off and walk away from the waypoint. When 50 feet away, turn the GPS back on and regain a satellite fix. Now, walk directly towards the waypoint.
You have learnt the second sign of being a geocacher - how to follow the "arrow". However, the straightest line is not always the shortest route to a cache. -
Step 6
There is a high probability in most municipal parks, there is at least one geocache. Using the geoocaching website, enter your home address and a map of nearby geocaches will be presented. Either manually input the list co-ordinates (refer to your manual again) or download them. Practice your approach technique by casually circling the area where the geocache is, trying to identify the container without drawign attention to yourself.
