Intro to GPS/Geocaching

UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING February 20, 2016 Utah National Parks Council, BSA Web sites www.geocacaching.com http://www.geoscouting.com/ www.mytopo.com Good for creating and ordering custom topo map of any area. http://www.maptools.com First Class Requirement 4b. Demonstrate how to use a handheld GPS unit, GPS app on a smartphone, or other electronic navigation system. Use GPS to find your current location, a destination of your choice, and the route you will take to get there. Follow that route to arrive at your destination. David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

1



Geocaching Merit Badge 1. Do the following: A. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in geocaching activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards. B. Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in geocaching activities, including cuts, scrapes, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, exposure to poisonous plants, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration. C. Discuss how to properly plan an activity that uses GPS, including using the buddy system, sharing your plan with others, and considering the weather, route, and proper attire. 2. Discuss the following with your counselor: A. Why you should never bury a cache. B. How to use proper geocaching etiquette when hiding or seeking a cache, and how to properly hide, post, maintain, and dismantle a geocache C. The principles of Leave No Trace as they apply to geocaching 3. Explain the following terms used in geocaching: waypoint, log, cache, accuracy, attributes, trackable. - Choose five additional terms to explain to your counselor.

difficulty and terrain ratings,

4. Explain how the Global Positioning System (GPS) works. Then, using Scouting’s teaching EDGE, demonstrate the use of a GPS unit to your counselor. Include marking and editing a waypoint, changing field functions, and changing the coordinate system in the unit. 5. Do the following: A. Show you know how to use a map and compass and explain why this is important for geocaching. B. Explain the similarities and differences between GPS navigation and standard map reading skills and describe the benefits of each. C. Explain the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system and how it differs from the latitude/longitude system used for public geocaches. D. Show how to plot a UTM waypoint on a map. Compare the accuracy to that found with a GPS unit. 6. Describe the four steps to finding your first cache to your counselor. Then mark and edit a waypoint. 7. With your parent’s permission*, go to www.geocaching.com. Type in your zip code to locate public geocaches in your area. Share the posted information about three of those geocaches with your counselor. Then, pick one of the three and find the cache. *To fulfill this requirement, you will need to set up a free user account with www.geocaching.com. Ask your parent for permission and help before you do so. 8. Do ONE of the following: D. Explain what Cache In Trash Out (CITO) means, and describe how you have practiced CITO at public geocaches or at a CITO event. Then, either create CITO containers to leave at public caches, or host a CITO event for your unit or for the public. 9. Plan a geohunt for a youth group such as your troop or a neighboring pack, at school, or your place of worship. Choose a theme, set up a course with at least four waypoints, teach the players how to use a GPS unit, and play the game. Tell your counselor about your experience, and share the materials you used and developed for this event. David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

2



David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

3



David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

4

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

5

The Game What is geocaching? Geocaching is 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 (container) hidden at that location. How is the game played? At its simplest level, geocaching requires these 8 steps 1. Register for a free Basic Membership. 2. Visit the "Hide & Seek a Cache" page. 3. Enter your postal code and click "search." 4. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name. 5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device. 6. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache. 7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location. 8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

There are many other levels to the game. Keep reading the guide to learn more! What are the rules of geocaching? 1. If you take something from the geocache (or "cache"), leave something of equal or greater value. 2. Write about your find in the cache logbook. 3. Log your experience at www.geocaching.com. What do I need to go geocaching? The only necessities are a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache, and a Geocaching.com Membership. Where are geocaches located? Geocaches can be found all over the world. It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These locations can be quite diverse. They may be at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street. Are there different types of geocaches? Yes. There are currently over a dozen "cache types" in geocaching, with each cache type being a different variation of the game. See the full list of Geocache Types. David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

6

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057



7

Finding your First Geocache Step 1 – Research Your outdoor geocaching adventure starts indoors with preparation and online research. Search Geocaching.com for a geocache that will meet your immediate goals and interests. Are you looking for an adventure for the entire family? Perhaps an afternoon in a dogfriendly park? Make sure that you review the cache attributes since these conserve as a helpful resource as you select your first geocache to find. As you select a geocache, keep in mind the following: 1. Have you considered the difficulty and terrain ratings of the cache? We suggest choosing a 1/1 difficulty and terrain rating for your first geocache find so that you can learn how geocaches are placed. Remember, geocaches are hidden but not buried. 2. Consult the surrounding maps of the area. Is this an urban or rural cache and how will this change your preparation? Do you have the right maps to help support you in the cache search? Road maps may be more than adequate within a city but topographical maps, which show land and water features, may be more useful elsewhere. Topographical maps will tell you what terrain you will encounter. 3. Keep in mind that distances can be deceiving. Understand the difference between distances as the crow flies (a direct line) versus true distance of travel. You may be a mile from the cache according to you GPS device, but there may be a river or the obstacles in the way. It is up to you to find the best route to the cache, remembering to respect the environment and practice Cache In Trash Out along the way. . Once you are close to the cache location, you can navigate using your GPS device. For instance, if you are in a small park, you can try to simply follow the GPS arrow. In a large park, this method may be challenging so follow the established trails as much as possible while still keeping the GPS arrow heading the general direction of the cache location. Our experience has shown that preparation and research will vary for each cache. Many people find that they begin with the online maps to get an idea of the area, and then decide to supplement with a detailed paper map. The cache page itself is a rich source of information and may include an encrypted hint. Previous finders may have uploaded photos, or may have included clues in their online log. Be careful though; too much information may inadvertently ruin the surprise for you. Step 2 – Safety Tips As with any outdoor activity, it is important to be prepared. Here are a few helpful tips: 1. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return. Going into a forest or remote locations without a partner is inherently dangerous. Geocaching is great fun, so think about planning a group hike with your family or friends around the geocache adventure. 2. Pay attention to your surroundings. It is easy to focus on your GPS device and forget to look around you. (Please believe us, there is a reason why this shirt is so successful.) Being conscious as to where you are walking will not only ensure your personal safety but will also respect the environment. 3. Pack your pack. Bring along a compass, map and extra batteries in case your GPS device fails. No matter the terrain or length of time on the trail, it is always a good idea to set out with extra clothing, food and water. 4. Be mindful of the local environment, especially during seasonal changes. Is the area prone to poison ivy or poison oak? What about bugs or dangerous animals? Not sure of the area in which you are heading? Ask a question in the regional geocaching forums. Local geocachers are happy to help support you. Step 3 – The Hunt Now you are ready to find your first geocache! 1. As you leave your car or a well-marked trail, make sure to mark its location as a waypoint! It may sound silly, but once you get focused on the cache hunt, it's easy to get disoriented. Use the waypoint to guide you in your safe return. 2. It should be pretty straightforward to get within a mile or so of the cache location. If you have done your research well, you should also feel good about knowing the best method of getting to the cache location. We suggest that you keep your GPS device on the entire time even if you may occasionally lose signal from overhanging trees, mountains, large concrete structures, etc. 3. When you get close to the geocache (within 300 feet, which is the length of a football field), check your GPS device’s signal strength. Sometimes the signal will have an error between 25 - 200 feet. Concentrate more on the overall distance decreasing and less on the arrow as you get closer to the final location. 4. The final 30 - 100 feet can be the most difficult. It helps to think like the person who hid the cache. If there are stumps around, investigate around the base. Check for an unnatural pile of rocks. Some geocaches, especially in highly populated areas, are cleverly hidden with ingenious camouflage, so it helps to know something about the container used. Is it bigger than a shoebox or small like a film canister? Step 4 – The Actual Find Hurray! You found your first geocache. Congratulations! Now what? 1. Take note of the style and method of this hide. Where did this geocache bring you? Enjoy the location. 2. Sign the logbook with your name, the date, and a few words about your experience. 3. If you trade for items, remember to trade for something that is of equal or greater value. 4. Make sure to seal the cache and place it back exactly where and how you found it. If it had some rocks covering it, please replace those. 5. Use the waypoint you created as a helpful guide for your return. 6. When you get home, log your experience online by going back to that cache page and using the links provided. The cache owner is automatically notified of your log and is always happy to knowabout your adventure, the condition of their cache, and any David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

8

environmental factors. Upload photos to share your experience visually with other geocachers.



David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

9

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057



10

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057



11

Universal Transverse Mercator(UTM) Grid, Fact Sheet 077-10 ...

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html

The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid Fact Sheet 077-01 (August 2001) Map Projections The most convenient way to identify points on the curved surface of the Earth is with a system of reference lines called parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. On some maps, the meridians and parallels appear as straight lines. On most modern maps, however, the meridians and parallels appear as curved lines. These differences are due to the mathematical treatment required to portray a curved surface on a flat surface so that important properties of the map (such as distance and areal accuracy) are shown with minimum distortion. The system used to portray a part of the round Earth on a flat surface is called a map projection.

Grids To simplify the use of maps and to avoid the inconvenience of pinpointing locations on curved reference lines, cartographers superimpose on the map a rectangular grid consisting of two sets of straight, parallel lines, uniformly spaced, each set perpendicular to the other. This grid is designed so that any point on the map can be designated by its latitude and longitude or by its grid coordinates, and a reference in one system can be converted into a reference in another system. Such grids are usually identified by the name of the particular projection for which they are designed.

The Universal Transverse Mercator Grid

1 of 4

6/14/11 9:40 PM

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057



12

Universal Transverse Mercator(UTM) Grid, Fact Sheet 077-10 ...

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html

The National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) (formerly the Defense Mapping Agency) adopted a special grid for military use throughout the world called the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid. In this grid, the world is divided into 60 north-south zones, each covering a strip 6° wide in longitude. These zones are numbered consecutively beginning with Zone 1, between 180° and 174° west longitude, and progressing eastward to Zone 60, between 174° and 180° east longitude. Thus, the Figure 1. The Universal Transverse Mercator grid that covers conterminous 48 States are covered by 10 the conterminous 48 United States comprises 10 zones—from zones, from Zone 10 on the west coast Zone 10 on the west coast through Zone 19 in New England. through Zone 19 in New England (fig. 1). In each zone, coordinates are measured north and east in meters. (One meter equals 39.37 inches, or slightly more than 1 yard.) The northing values are measured continuously from zero at the Equator, in a northerly direction. To avoid negative numbers for locations south of the Equator, NIMA's cartographers assigned the Equator an arbitrary false northing value of 10,000,000 meters. A central meridian through the middle of each 6° zone is assigned an easting value of 500,000 meters. Grid values to the west of this central meridian are less than 500,000; to the east, more than 500,000. Virtually all NIMA-produced topographic maps and many aeronautical charts show the UTM grid lines.

Determining a UTM Grid Value for a Map Point

2 of 4

6/14/11 9:40 PM

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057



13

Universal Transverse Mercator(UTM) Grid, Fact Sheet 077-10 ...

Figure 2. The grid value of line A-A is 357,000 meters east. The grid value of line B-B is 4,276,000 meters north. Point P is 800 meters east and 750 meters north of the grid lines; therefore, the grid coordinates of point P are north 4,276,750 and east 357,800.

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html

The UTM grid is shown on all quadrangle maps prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). On 7.5-minute quadrangle maps (1:24,000 and 1:25,000 scale) and 15-minute quadrangle maps (1:50,000, 1:62,500, and standard-edition 1:63,360 scales), the UTM grid lines are indicated at intervals of 1,000 meters, either by blue ticks in the margins of the map or with full grid lines. The 1,000-meter value of the ticks is shown for every tick or grid line. In addition, the actual meter value is shown for ticks nearest the southeast and northwest corners of the map. Provisional maps at 1:63,360 scale show full UTM grids at 5,000-meter intervals.

To use the UTM grid, you can place a transparent grid overlay on the map to subdivide the grid, or you can draw lines on the map connecting corresponding ticks on opposite edges. The distances can be measured in meters at the map scale between any map point and the nearest grid lines to the south and west. The northing of the point is the value of the nearest grid line south of it plus its distance north of that line; its easting is the value of the nearest grid line west of it plus its distance east of that line (see fig. 2). On maps at 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 scale, a full UTM grid is shown at intervals of 10,000 meters and is numbered and used in the same way.

Information For information on USGS products and services, call 1-888-ASK-USGS, or visit the general interest publications Web site on mapping, geography, and related topics at erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/pubslists/. For additional information, visit the ask.usgs.gov Web site or the USGS home page at www.usgs.gov. This document has undergone official review and approval for publications established by the National Mapping Discipline, U.S. Geological Survey. Some figures have been modified or added to improve the scientific visualization of information. U.S. Department of the Interior — U.S. Geological Survey — 509 National Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA

3 of 4

6/14/11 9:40 PM

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057



14

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

Grid

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

15



Reporting your position in! UTM kilometers"



David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

16

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

17

TOPO! map printed on 02/02/13 from "Untitled.tpo" 440 000m E.

441 000m E.

WGS84 Zone 12T 442 000m E.

44 58000m

44 58000m

N.

N.

44 59000m

44 59000m

N.

N.

44 60000m

44 60000m

N.

N.

44 61000m

44 61000m

N.

N.

44 62000m

44 62000m

N.

N.

439 000m E.

Map Map created created with with TOPO!® TOPO!® ©2010 ©2010 National National Geographic Geographic 439 000m E.

440 000m E.

441 000m E.

WGS84 Zone 12T 442 000m E. TN

0.0 0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3 0.5

0.4

0.5

0.6 1.0

0.7

0.8

miles

MN 12°

km 02/02/13

David Shelanskey, 801-995-2418; [email protected]; 224 W 270 N Orem, UT 84057

18