Draft Concept „Geocaching 45+ - Outdoor ICT2
Dr. Gernog Paulus, study field Geo Information
and Environmental Technologies, FH Kärnten, Europastraße
4, 9524 Villach, e-Mail: Paulus@cuas.at
Contents
description:
Geocaching
(from Greek “earth” and English cache “treasure trove”) is an electronic
treasure hunt. The hiding places (“Geocaches”, in short “Caches”) are found
with geographic coordinates with the help of a GPS device. The description of
the caches and the related coordinates are published on the internet and can be
obtained via Geocaching gateways.
A Geocache
is generally a waterproof container containing a logbook and sometimes
bartering objects. Every visitor makes an entry in the logbook in order to
document his/her successful search. Then the geocache is returned to the same
place where it was found (Source: Wikipedia, 22-02-2012).
The aim of
this course is to offer the participants a concise theoretical and practical
introduction to the subject of “GPS-technology” and “geocaching”. Thereby the
basic theoretical background and functionality of global positioning systems
(GPS), as well as the procedure of the game, the required equipment and technical
terminology are explained.
The
American global positioning system (GPS9 is a global satellite navigation
system to determine location and timing. It is being developed since the 1970s,
and since May 2000 it provides a locating precision of 10 metres
for civil use. GPS has established itself as the most important locating
procedure worldwide and offers basic technology for geocaching.
After the
theoretical introduction, the joint search for geocaches commences outdoors
where, besides the search for geocaches, participants also learn to create and
hide their own geocaches.
Timing
The basic
course consists of four days in total.
·
Theoretical
introduction (2 hrs á 60 mins.)
o
Basics
and background of GPS
o
GPS
Equipment – overview
o
Introduction
to Geocaching (basic principles, different types of caches, geocaching gateways,
rules of conduct)
·
Practical
Part I (3 hrs á 60 mins.)
o
Practical
work with GPS equipment
o
First
searches of geocaches
o
Recording
of the distance covered during the search as GPS tracks
·
Working
with geocaching gateways (theory) (3 hrs á 60 mins.)
o
Evaluation
of the recorded GPS tracks
o
Practical
use of geocaching gateways
o
Preparation
for the creation of a geocache in small groups. Each group creates a different
type of geocache.
·
Practical
Part II (3 hrs á 60 mins.)
o
Hiding
and searching of the participants’ own geocaches
o
Final
competition after consultation with the participants (choice of “best” caches,
etc.)
Technical requirements
·
Theoretical
lessons
o
Computer
with internet access, Google Earth
·
Practical
lessons
o
The
GPS Equipment is being made available by the study course Geo Information and
Environmental Technology. Participants also have the option to bring their own
equipment or to try out different devices.
o
Outdoor
clothing and outdoor shoes
·
Course
materials
o
Course
materials are provided in the form of PowerPoint sheets and simple operating
manuals.
Prior knowledge
Participants
are required to have the following basic knowledge:
·
Interested
in learning of (??)
·
Computer
literacy in working with windows workplaces
·
Internet
use
·
Fitness
to exercise on easy terrain
Number of Participants
Not more
than 10 persons per course