Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Internet Access
- Map (Either paper or digital)
- Compass (optional)
- GPSr (optional)
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Step 1
Using Online Maps: This is more common than you may think. You may be able to find the cache location before you ever leave home. Using satellite photos, the location of many caches becomes readily apparent. Google Earth is another free application that you can copy the coordinates from the cache page into. Google Earth will give you the exact location that you can zoom in on. Again, the quality of satellite photos may let you determine the cache location immediately!
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Step 2
Magnetic CompassUsing a Map and Compass: Using a traditional map and compass is also a way to find geocaches without a GPSr. After plotting/locating the exact location on a topographical or satellite map, then using traditional orientation skills to find your way to the cache!
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Step 3
Older Garmin GPS 38 - Just fine for geocaching!Inexpensive GPS receivers: You do not need the latest and greatest receiver to geocache. The fact is, if you can get within 30-40 feet of a geocache, you can more than likely find it. Receivers can be found in many places for very reasonable prices. Check Geocaching.com’s “Garage Sale” forums (See link in Resources). This forum, sponsored by Groundspeak allows geocachers to trade, buy and sell used equipment. Online auctions are also good places to find new and used equipment.
GPS receiver technology has come so far in the last decade, you can often find a receiver that will work very well for Geocaching for under $50. The most common models in this price range would be the Garmin eTrex, the Garmin Gecko and the Magellan eXplorist.
When you are shopping for your GPSr, ensure that you purchase one that is Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capable. This will allow your GPSr to use the 25 ground reference stations located across the U.S. to further make your GPSr more accurate.
