GEOCACHING

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. It has gained popularity as more people discover the fun of this high-tech scavenger hunt. If you are wondering, you pronounce it "GEE-oh-cashing". The word Geocaching, stands for "GEO" for geography, and "CACHING" for the process of hiding a cache. Webster defines a CACHE as "the hiding place for treasure or stores and the goods in such a hiding place". In Geocaching, people set up caches, waterproof containers filled with various items, and then post the cache’s coordinates (latitude and longitude) on the Internet.

"Geocachers" log on to a website, www.geocaching.com, to get clues to the location, including coordinates that can be plugged into a Global Positioning System unit, or GPS. The receivers use the signals from a system of satellites to accurately pinpoint the user’s location, as well as the distance and direction to the cache’s coordinates. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. After the Geocacher finds the Cache, he makes an entry in the caches's logbook and then if he takes something from the cache, he leaves something for others to find. The actual process doesn't stop though until the 'cacher gets home and logs in his experiences on the internet site for others to see and enjoy. The website also has discussion groups where geocachers can share experiences and learn new things.

How big is the sport?

Since its birth about 4 years ago in Portland, Oregon, Geocaching has exploded in popularity. There are more than 592,920 geocaches hidden worldwide. In the past week, there have been 398,290 new logs written by 56,600 geocachers.

Before May 2000, the Defense Department had encrypted satellite signals so that civilian GPS units had a built-in imprecision of about 330 feet. Now, however, most units are accurate to within 30 feet or less. The declining cost of GPS units is also fueling Geocaching's growth. Easy-to-use handheld GPS units, already popular with hikers, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts, are available for about $100.