Internet Geocaching

Geocaching is an outdoor sport that involves the use of a Global Positioning System ("GPS") receiver to find a "geocache" (or "cache") placed anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small, waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure". Geocaching is a unique take on a traditional Easter-egg hunt in that it uses two recent technologies, the GPS and the Internet.

The sport of Geocaching was made possible by the "turning off" of the Selective Availability of the Global Positioning System . Geocacher is the term used for those who participate in geocaching.

For the traditional geocache, a geocacher will place a waterproof container, containing a log book (with pen or pencil) and treasures, then note the cache coordinates. These coordinates, along with other details of the location are posted online. Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from the Internet and, using handheld GPS receivers, seek out the cache.

There are several variations on the "traditional" geocache.

Micro-cache: too small to hold anything more than a log book.
Multi-cache: requires a visit to one or more intermediate points to determine the coordinates of the actual cache
Mystery/puzzle cache: requires the seeker to solve a puzzle to find the actual cache
Event cache: a meeting for geocachers, found by date, hour and coordinates
Webcam: a location to take your picture with somebody else's camera
Virtual: a location to visit simply for what is already there
Letterbox: contains a stamp for you to stamp your own log book