While Wherigo caches don't seem to be catching on as fast as
some may have thought they would, if you like trying out new things
and/or want to add a new icon to your profile page, this cache is
for you. Check out the Wherigo
site for full details on Wherigo-enabled devices and the use of
Wherigo cartridges and software, which you will need to complete
this cache.
Benchmarks
Benchmarks come in many shapes and sizes, including rods, nails,
pipe caps, disks and even entire structures such as church spires
and water towers. They are put out by a variety of local, state and
federal agencies and chances are that you've passed by several
without even knowing it.
While many benchmark finds can be logged and tracked using
Groundspeak's Benchmark
database, which contains nearly three-quarters of a million
records, many can not because it is an out-of-date copy (circa
2000) of the main National Geodetic Survey database. These finds,
as well as those logged in the Groundspeak database, are referred
to as 'mark recoveries' and can be recorded elsewhere, such as the
NGS's
online reporting form
Many prolific cachers are also avid benchmarkers, finding not
only thousands of caches, but thousands of benchmarks as well!
Groundspeak's benchmark
page is a great reference for those new to benchmarks and I
urge you to check it out if you haven't already. In addition to
links to the NGS database, where complete sets of datasheets can be
found, free software is available for creating GPX files of
benchmark locations for use with your GPSr.
BMOC
The University of Arizona has several Benchmarks
On Campus and your task for this Wherigo cache is to
take a short tour of campus, visit eleven (11) of these benchmarks
along the way, and answer some easy questions to move onto the next
location.
As this is a Wherigo cache, use of the
associated Wherigo cartridge is required. To complete the
cartridge, you will need either a GPS-enabled Pocket PC (aka a
Windows Mobile device), a Garmin Colorado, a Garmin Oregon or a
GPS-equipped Windows PC that you can carry around with you in the
field (I'd recommend a netbook or laptop, but you could try using a
desktop PC, I suppose.
) Regardless of the device you
use, you must complete all of the following requirements to
log a find on this cache:
- Complete all of the steps given in the BMOC Wherigo cartridge
in order to mark it as completed.
- Sign the logsheet at the final location.
-
Upload
your saved game to the Wherigo site to record your successful
completion of the cartridge
- Log finds on the
two loggable benchmarks you will visit during the course of
completing the Wherigo cartridge, being sure to post legible photos
of each mark that include your GPSr. (Note that previous logs
including the required photos are acceptable; you do not need to
post a new log.)
- Email your .GWL file to me for review
here. (I am
unable to access the files you upload to the Wherigo site, so you
must email them to me separately.) Note that tag-along finds are
not allowed and that each find must have a unique Wherigo log file
associated with it to be allowed a find.
Be sure to update to the latest version of the Wherigo Player
for your device, as it may contain bugfixes and other
improvements:
Additional note for Pocket PC users: If your device has a
VGA display, the Wherigo screens will appear distorted, but
will still function properly.
This problem is well-known, but is still awaiting resolution
(no pun intended) by Groundspeak. Also, if you are having problems
with your built-in GPS, you may want to check
this forum which provided a fix that worked for me.
If you know of any other benchmarks on campus, please let me
know as I would like to include them in this cache as well.
Also, I'm curious what people are using, so please state what
device(s) you used to complete the Wherigo cartridge.
If you encounter any problems with this cartridge, please send
me an email so that I can address any issues ASAP.
Thanks to
ShadowAce for pointing out two of the benchmarks!