Geocaching at Pitt
What is it?
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. There are currently over 1.7 million active geocaches worldwide!
Video provided from: www.geocaching.com
Where does it take place?
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.
How do I get started?
- Go to www.geocaching.com
- Sign up for free.
- Search for registered geocaches on www.geocaching.com, select the cache you would like to find, and plug the coordinates into your GPS unit or mobile device.
- Enjoy the excitement of seeking, finding and logging your targeted geocache!
What do I need to search for a geocache?
The only necessities are a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone in order to navigate to where the cache is hidden. A pen to sign the log and tradable items are also good to have on hand.
Interactive Geocaching Applications for Smart Phones are available for purchase here. There are also some free trial version applications online.
Students may borrow a hand held GPS receiver from the Intramurals and Recreation Office for 24 hours free of charge and for a small fee (TBD) beyond that for additional use. Students must present their Panther ID upon checking out a device.
For a map of active geocaches around the Pittsburgh area, click here.
For more information, please visit www.geocaching.com
