How to Use Your Car GPS for Geocaching

A GPS unit for the car can also be used off-road.

Geochacing and a global positioning system (GPS) unit can be combined for adventure and fun. GPS is a satellite based navigation system that will lead you to a location when you input the correct coordinates or address. Cars that contain a portable GPS system use an address to map the directions to a location. The GPS units that are made exclusively for hiking or off road directions will use coordinates that you program into the device. When geocaching, a GPS unit helps you find hidden treasures using coordinates and a map page, all around the world.

Things You'll Need

• Computer

Instructions

1. Obtain the coordinates for a cache you would like to visit from the list at geocaching.com (see the link in the Resource section).

2. Print a copy of the cache information to take with you. This will give you clues and valuable information for finding the cache. It will also give you the latitude and longitude coordinates.

3. Input the address or intersection that is listed as the starting point for your search into your portable GPS unit, then use this information to drive to the starting point.

4. Change the screen on your GPS unit to the status screen upon arrival at the starting point. Use the status screen to obtain the latitude and longitude numbers to guide you to the cache . Use the clues provided to help you along the way.

Tips & Warnings

• Both types of GPS units will bring you within 20 feet of the cache. Use the clues provided to complete your search.

References

• Geocaching-Treasure Hunting in the 21st Century

Resources

• Treasure Hunt Around the World-Geocaching