Glossary of Terms
The Geocaching.com glossary is always changing. If you have suggestions for future
additions, please contact us.
- Archive
-
Archiving a cache removes the listing from public view on Geocaching.com. This action
is usually taken when a cache owner does not intend to replace a cache after it
has been removed. As an alternative to archiving, the cache owner can temporarily
disable their cache if they plan to provide maintenance on the cache or replace
the container within one month.
- Attribute
-
These are icons on a cache detail intended to provide helpful information to geocachers
who wish to find specific types of caches. These icons represent unique cache characteristics,
including size, whether the cache is kid friendly, if it is available 24 hours a
day, if you need special equipment and more. Attributes are also a tool to help
you filter the types of caches you would like to search for when building a Pocket
Query (see Pocket Query).
- Benchmark
-
Using your GPS unit and/or written directions provided by NOAA's National Geodetic
Survey (NGS), you can seek out NGS survey markers and other items that have been
marked in the USA. See benchmark hunting
for more details.
- Bookmark List
-
A Premium Member feature that can be used to group cache listings in whatever way
you like. You may want a bookmark list of caches you intend to find this weekend,
or perhaps an "all-time favorite" list you can share with friends.
- BYOP
-
Bring Your Own Pen/Pencil. An acronym often used by cache owners to communicate
to other geocachers that you will need to bring your writing utensil in order to
sign the cache logbook.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
-
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the
Interior, administers millions of acres of America's public lands, located primarily
in 12 Western States. The BLM sustains the health, diversity, and productivity of
the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Learn
more at
www.blm.gov.
- Cache
-
A shortened version of the word geocache. (See
Geocache).
- Caches along a Route
-
A Premium Member feature that allows you to identify caches along a specific route
for quick and easy geocaching. You can choose from routes already created by other
geocachers or use Google Earth to build your own unique trip.
- Charter Member
-
During the very early years of Geocaching.com when Premium Memberships were first
offered, they were called Charter Memberships to thank those who supported the web
site. Be sure to thank the Charter Members you meet on the trail since the site
would not be here today without them.
- CITO
-
Cache In Trash Out is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide
geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated to cleaning up
parks and other cache-friendly places around the world. Learn more at www.geocaching.com/cito.
- Datum
-
A datum is something used as a basis for calculating and measuring. In the case
of GPS, datums are different calculations for determining longitude and latitude
for a given location.
Currently, Geocaching uses the WGS84
datum for all caches. Many maps still use NAD27, which can cause confusion
if your GPS unit is set to NAD27. Always check your GPS to ensure that WGS84 is
the datum before entering a cache coordinate into your unit.
- DNF
-
Did Not Find. An acronym used by geocachers to state that they did not find a cache.
This is also a type of online log on Geocaching.com and is useful for alerting cache
owners of potential issues. Cache owners who repeatedly receive "Did Not Find" logs
should check to see that there cache has not been removed.
- D/T
-
Geocaches are rated in two categories, each designated on a 5-point scale. Difficulty
relates to the mental challenge of finding a cache and terrain describes the physical
environment. A 1/1 difficulty/terrain rating would the easiest cache to find, while
a 5/5 difficulty/terrain rating would be the most difficult.
- EarthCache
-
This is one of several unique cache types. An EarthCache is a cache that promotes
geoscience education. Visitors to EarthCaches can see how our planet has been shaped
by geological processes, how we manage the resources and how scientists gather evidence
to learn about the Earth. For more information about EarthCaches, visit http://www.earthcache.org/.
- Event Cache
-
This is one of several unique cache types. Events are gatherings set up by local
geocachers and geocaching organizations to meet players and to discuss geocaching.
- FTF
-
First to Find. An acronym written by geocachers in physical cache logbooks or online
when logging cache finds to denote being the first to find a new geocache.
- Geocache
-
A container hidden that includes, at minimum, a logbook for geocachers to sign.
- Geocaching
-
Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place
a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share
the geocache’s existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try
to locate the geocache.
- Geocoin
-
Geocoins work similarly to Groundspeak Travel Bugs® (see Travel Bugs) in that they are trackable and
can travel the world, picking up stories from geocache to geocache. Geocoins are
often created as signature items by geocachers and can also be used as collectibles.
- GPS
-
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a system of satellites that work
with a GPS receiver to determine your location on the planet. For more information
on GPS, FAQs.
- GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit
-
This is one of several unique cache types. An exhibit cache represents geocaching
participation at the GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit. The GPS Adventures Maze is a traveling
educational exhibit designed to teach people of all ages about navigation, GPS technology
and geocaching. www.GPSMaze.com.
- GPSr
-
Slang for a GPS receiver. Equipment to receive GPS signals for use in navigation.
- GPX (GPS eXchange Format)
-
A specific file format available when creating a Pocket Query. A Premium Member
feature, the GPX file format has specific geocaching information that can be used
by supporting applications.
- Ground Zero (GZ)
-
The point where your GPS device shows that you have reached the cache location.
At Ground Zero, you are zero feet (or zero meters) away from your destination.
- Hitchhiker
-
A hitchhiker is an item that is placed in a cache, and has instructions to travel
to other caches. Sometimes they have logbooks attached so you can log their travels.
A Travel Bug is an example of a hitchhiker.
- Latitude
-
Latitude and longitude create a waypoint.
Latitude is the angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured
through 90 degrees. (Listen to this mp3 for an entertaining way to learn about
longitude and latitude (thanks to ACME)).
- Letterbox(ing)
-
Letterboxing is similar to Geocaching, but you use a series of clues to find a container.
Once you find the container (or letterbox), you use the carved stamp from the box,
stamp your personal logbook and return that stamp to the letterbox. You then use
your carved stamp and stamp the letterbox's logbook. See Letterboxing North America
for more information.
- LOC
-
The original download format for the search results page on Geocaching.com.
- Locationless (Reverse) Cache
-
This is one of several cache types which are no longer available for creation on
Geocaching.com. Instead of finding a hidden container, you are given a task to locate
a specific object and log its coordinates. A scavenger hunt of sorts, it involves
collecting waypoints of various objects around the world.
Locationless caches have evolved into
Waymarking. Waymark categories are similar to how locationless caches were
listed on geocaching.com, but you can now search for the locations in each category.
- Longitude
-
Latitude and longitude create a waypoint.
Longitude is the angular distance measured on a great circle of reference from the
intersection of the adopted zero meridian with this reference circle to the similar
intersection of the meridian passing through the object. (Listen to this mp3 for an entertaining and non-technical
way to learn about longitude and latitude (thanks to ACME)).
- Markwelled
-
When a response to a new post in the forums points you to a similar topic in the
past. Based on the user Markwell.
- Mega-Event Cache
-
This is one of several cache types. A Mega-Event cache is similar to an Event Cache
but it is much larger. Among other considerations, a Mega-event cache must be attended
by 500+ people. Typically, Mega Events are annual events and attract geocachers
from all over the world.
- Muggle
-
A non-geocacher. Based on "Muggle" from the Harry Potter series, which is a non-magical
person. Usually this term is used after a non geocacher looks puzzled after befriending
a geocacher searching for a cache, or when a non-geocacher accidentally finds a
cache. Geomuggles are mostly harmless.
- Multi-Cache (offset Cache)
-
This is one of several cache types. A multi-cache ("multiple") involves two or more
locations, the final location being a physical container. There are many variations,
but most multi-caches have a hint to find the second cache, and the second cache
has hints to the third, and so on. An offset cache (where you go to a location and
get hints to the actual cache) is considered a multi-cache.
- Mystery or Puzzle Caches
-
This is one of several cache types. The "catch-all" of cache types, this form of
cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine
the coordinates. Examples include complicated ciphers, simple substitutions, arithmetical
quizzes and clues cleverly hidden within the graphics, Due to the increasing creativity
of geocaching this becomes the staging ground for new and unique challenges.
- NAD27
-
Stands for North American Datum 1927.
The precursor to WGS84. Many maps
still use the NAD27 datum , so always check before using a GPS unit with a map.
- Pocket Query (PQ)
-
A Premium Member feature, a Pocket Query is custom geocache search that you can
have emailed to you on a daily or weekly basis. Pocket Queries give you the ability
to filter your searches so you only receive information on the caches you want to
search for in either a GPX of LOC format. This feature lets you download up to 500
caches at one time.
- Project A.P.E. Cache
-
This is one of several cache types. In 2001, twelve geocaches were placed in conjunction
with 20th Century Fox to support the movie Planet of the Apes. Each cache
represented a fictional story in which scientists revealed an Alternative Primate
Evolution. These caches were made using specially marked ammo containers. Each cache
had an original prop from the movie. Only two Project A.P.E. caches exist today.
- Reviewer
-
Volunteers from all over the world who publish the cache listings on geocaching.com.
- ROT13
-
Hints for geocaches are encrypted using a simple format where each of the letters
are rotated 13 characters up or down in the alphabet.
- Signature Item
-
An item unique to a specific geocacher that is left behind in caches to signify
that they visited that cache. These often include personal geocoins, tokens, pins,
craft items or calling cards.
- Spoiler
-
A spoiler is information that can give details away and ruin the experience of something.
For example, telling someone the end of a movie before they see it. In geocaching,
a spoiler gives away details of a cache location and can ruin the experience of
the find.
- SWAG
-
An acronym often referred to as standing for 'Stuff We All Get." It includes the
trade items left in caches by geocachers.
- TFTC
-
Thanks For The Cache. An acronym written by geocachers in physical cache logbooks
or online when logging cache finds.
- TFTH
-
Thanks For The Hide
- TNLN
-
Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Usually written in cache logbooks by geocachers do not
trade for material contents in a cache.
- TNLNSL / TNSL
-
Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Signed Logbook / Took Nothing. Signed Logbook.
- Traditional Cache
-
This is one of several cache types. This is the original cache type consisting,
at a bare minimum, a container and a logbook. Normally you will find a clear container
or ammo box containing items for trade. Smaller containers, called micro caches
are usually too small to contain anything except for a logbook. The coordinates
listed on the traditional cache page are the exact location for the cache.
- Travel Bug®
-
A Groundspeak Travel Bug is a trackable tag that you attach to an item. This allows
you to track your item on Geocaching.com. The item becomes a hitchhiker that is
carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world and you can
follow its progress online. Learn more at
http://www.geocaching.com/track/faq.aspx.
- USDA Forest Service (USFS)
-
The U.S. Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture, administers
191 million acres (77.3 million hectares) of National Forests, Grasslands, and Prairies.
These public lands are generally geocaching-friendly, with exceptions of designated
Wilderness Areas, and other specially designated botanical, wildlife, and archaeological
sites. The phrase "Caring for the land and serving people" captures the Forest Service
mission of achieving quality land management under the sustainable multiple-use
concept to meet the diverse needs of people. The Information Center in the agency's national headquarters
has been a Washington D.C. Virtual Geocache since August 12, 2001.
- UTM
-
"Universal Transverse Mercator" coordinate system. This is an alternative to the
standard WGS84.UTM uses grids overlaying
specific areas of the Earth’s surface and divides the Earth into 60 zones.
- Virtual (cache)
-
This is one of several cache types which are no longer available for creation on
Geocaching.com. A virtual cache is a cache that exists in a form of a location.
Virtual caches have no cache container; the reward for these caches is the location
itself and sharing information about your visit. Virtual caches are now considered
waymarks on
Waymarking.com.
- WAAS
-
WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, but that doesn't really describe
what it is. Garmin has an excellent description on WAAS.
- Watch List
-
A watchlist is a list of users that are watching a specific travel bug or cache.
Each user receives a copy of each posted log via email.
- Waypoint
-
Waypoints are named coordinates representing points on the surface of the Earth.
Geocaching uses a suggested waypoint for a cache, created automatically when a cache
has been created. We generate a waypoint or "GC Code" based on the ID of the cache.
It is optional, but makes it easier to locate a cache on the geocaching web site.
- Webcam Cache
-
This is one of several cache types which are no longer available for creation on
Geocaching.com. These are caches that use existing web cameras placed by individuals
or agencies that monitor various areas like parks or road conditions. The idea is
to get yourself in front of the camera to log your visit. The challenging part,
however, is that you need to call a friend to look up the web site that displays
the camera image. You will need to have them to save the picture to log the cache.
If you are a tech savvy, you can also use a wireless modem and save the image yourself
on a laptop.
Webcam caches are now in the Web Camera category on Waymarking.com.
- WGS84
-
The most current geodetic datum used
for GPS is the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84). The significance of WGS84
comes about because GPS receivers rely on WGS84.
Geocaching uses the WGS84 datum by default. We also use the format HDDD MM.MM, which
is a standard for GPS receivers (like the eTrex).
HDD means Hemisphere and degrees. MM.MM are minutes in decimal format. If you have
any questions, you can either
visit the forums or contact
us directly.
It is critical that the format be correct, otherwise geocachers will be unable to
find your cache!
- Wherigo™ Cache
-
This is one of several cache types. Wherigo is a toolset for creating and playing
GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. By integrating a Wherigo experience, called
a cartridge, with finding a cache, the geocaching hunt can be an even richer experience.
Among other uses, Wherigo allows geocachers to interact with physical and virtual
elements such as objects or characters while still finding a physical geocache container.
A Wherigo-enabled GPS device is required to play a cartridge. Learn more at Wherigo.com.
