By Chase T. Brooke, GIS Intern
When we conducted our last geocaching event in December, one cache was particularly difficult to locate. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) can get you within 3-5 feet of your objective, but you’re on your own after that.
After a lengthy search, we finally completed our mission when we found the small, pill-sized canister hanging from a tree branch.
One participant brought his children and they had blast running around with us trying to locate the hidden “treasures.” Their reactions when we found a cache – especially the one in the tree – were priceless.
Geocaching uses GPS-enabled devices such as handheld GPS units or smartphones to find containers hidden by other geocachers who have uploaded the coordinates online. Searchers use the coordinates to locate the cache, then log their visit on a sheet of paper inside.
Geocachers of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the City of College Station’s Information Technology Department GIS team again on Friday, Feb. 13 to learn about the sport and search Stephen C. Beachy Central Park for three hidden geocaches. The event starts with a one-hour basics course at 2 p.m. at the pavilion next to the basketball courts.
Attendees will receive hands-on instruction in how to use GPS functions in smartphones and an overview of how GPS works and how to get involved in geocaching. Appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes or boots are recommended due to the off-trail nature of the sport.
For more information, contact me at cbrooke@cstx.gov or 979-764-3430.
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About the Author: Chase T. Brooke has been a GIS intern in the City of College Station’s Information Technology Department since October. A native of Southlake, Chase graduated from Texas A&M in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in spatial science and a minor in forestry. He plans to attend graduate school.
Photo: 123RF Stock Photo
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