GPS for Dummies.pdf - Engineering Surveyor

126Part II: All About GPSSometimes a series of caches are located close together, usually separated byat least a tenth of a mile. Because you’re already in the neighborhood, considertrying to find several instead of going for just a single cache. Check outthe link on the cache description page that displays all the nearby cachesand how far away they are from each other.Finding a cache boils down to following these general steps:1. Enter the cache coordinates in your GPS receiver as a waypoint andthen add a name for the waypoint on your GPS receiver.The methodology for entering waypoints differs from model to model.Check your user manual for specific instructions about how to enter andname a waypoint on your GPS model. Read more about this in Chapter 4.You can use the six-character waypoint name on the cache descriptionWeb page for the name of the waypoint. Double-check that you’ve enteredthe correct coordinates. Many caches haven’t been found on the first trybecause of an typo in the coordinates in a GPS unit.If you have an account on Geocaching.com, you can download the cachewaypoint to your computer from a link on the cache description pageand then upload the waypoint directly to your GPS receiver. Doing sohelps to eliminate errors caused by typos in GPS coordinates.2. Print a copy of the cache description Web page so you can bring allthe information you need to find the cache with you.If your printer is out of ink or you’re being frugal, scribble down thecoordinates and any other information that you think might be usefulin locating the cache.3. Gather your equipment, including your GPS receiver, map, compass,food, water, and other essential items mentioned in this chapter.4. Head out to the cache’s starting point.Drive or bike as close to the cache as you can get. Sometimes the cachedescriptions give you exact instructions, like at which parking lot ortrailhead to start from. The more challenging caches give you only thecoordinates, and it’s up to you to decide where you’ll start from and howyou’ll get there. One of the pleasures of geocaching is it’s usually not atimed event (although a few timed competitions are starting to crop up),and you can take as long as you want to reach the cache site, stoppingto smell the roses and enjoy interesting sights.5. Turn on your GPS receiver and get a satellite lock.Hopefully! If not, you brought that map and compass, right?