Geocaching with the iPhone
With the iPhone have my wife and I found a new hobby: geocaching. Who does not know what it is: Geocaching is a kind of scavenger hunt, where you will find using GPS coordinates of caches (caches) must. There are a number of variations and are now about 700,000 caches around the world (for details see Wikipedia). My wife is looking forward now that they no longer alone with the dog needs to walk and that I finally get to fresh air, I can play around freu myself on my iPhone.
Even more, I had previously heard of geocaching, but due to lack of equipment (GPS device), I've never bothered to continue. Now, with the integrated GPS module in the iPhone I've made a new start and I worked into the matter and also the first caches already found.
Here, I would like to present my experience with the grossly applications for the iPhone, perhaps it will help one or the other when buying a product or a passion for the topic. One more thing in advance: I am doing currently geocaching as beginner and amateur, a professional other points may be important or even useless for the iPhone will appear (see Conclusion below).
Go here now soon the applications and possibilities with the iPhone to cache hunting.
I then sat down ahead of the times that each is geocaching.org familiar with the page (the page is the world's largest entry point for caches and includes the coordinates and descriptions) and has registered itself there.
1. Maps and Safari
The easiest way to install without any additional application is in-vehicle use maps or use Google Maps. Here, the target coordinates of Geocaching.org (will be accessible via Safari) simply typed into the Google search (eg "N 48 ° 18,794 E 010 ° 48,800 ") And can be the result together with the current position from the GPS module and map" is approaching the goal. " Basically works quite well, however, is somewhat laborious manual entry of coordinates (as long as) there are still no copy and paste function in iPhone. For this purpose we will need to have another program. Practically, however, here is the ability to display the route for pedestrians.
2. Of Groundspeak Geocaching
The application of Groundspeak is available at the AppStore for 7.99 euros. Unfortunately, I've never regretted the decision immediately after purchase, as is the depth of the price greatly exaggerated. (New features described here in a small update) essentially provides the application following functions:
- Select all caches near the current position or Search by address / GC Code and Trackables
- local storage of the description, the last logs and Hints
- Navigability by Compass or branching to Maps / Google Maps
The information can but of course all previously printed or saved locally using other tools on the iPhone, so you do not necessarily need these features. Modify the navigation via the compass function works only on the main coordinates, but other coordinates, eg for multi-caches can not enter themselves. In this sense, therefore totally unsuitable for multi-caches. A log function is missing, what should be expected for such an application. An update in January, but will offer new features, I'm curious about. Please find attached some screenshots of the application (click to enlarge).
-> New knowledge, I have described here in a small update
3. GPSLite (MotionX)
The MotionX GPS tool (Lite) is a pure GPS application. The lite version is free, and of course has some limitations, the full version costs € 2.39. Geocaching application for the entry of waypoints (pre-storage allowed of 3 waypoints) in the Lite version. The compass leads easily and very accurately to the desired destination. Different views allow the view of large, typical GPS data (altitude, speed, ...). In addition, it is also possible to save tracks (including photos), then as in Google Maps or Google Earth can be imported (this functionality but I have not yet been tested, also not possible to go if you need different applications).
As GPS navigation, I think this application has the best, because as I think it works on the most accurate, always Reinschnuppern the Lite version is enough for the three waypoints can always be overwritten.
4. Geoph Lite
Geoph Lite is currently available for € 0.79, is specially made for geocaching. However, diversity does not overturn the function. Essentially Geoph Lite is a compass with which one can control coordinates. An integrated browser automatically opens the geocaching.org page and displays the cache in the vicinity. The coordinates can then be written off in the box above to control the point (a copy / paste function so unfortunately missing in the iPhone). The compass operates satisfactorily and can be represented visually different.
The MotionX tool is there but much more extensive (and free for the Lite version), only the function to call the geocaching site, may still be beneficial. A full version is not yet available, but is in progress and will bring a lot of features. If the following program GCBuddy be used, however Geoph Lite absolutely necessary as a compass of this function is called.
5. GCBuddy
The GCBuddy is especially written for multi-caches, and it also incredibly practical, but also with fairly steep € 7.99. GCBuddy invest it allows all the waypoints as a project (parking, waypoints and target cache). The specialty of the application is the entry of the waypoints as formulas. So you can enter the encrypted waypoints so as you are shown on the website, through continuous input of the road identified variables that are resolved, the formulas and can be controlled. This has been wonderful work. For navigation, the application geoph Lite uses ", in which it calls the application with the determined coordinates. A built-in navigation does not exist, so it must be purchased conveniently Geoph Lite! In addition, can be directly called geocaching site on the GC-code and the waypoints are also shown on the Google Maps page. An automatic acquisition of the coordinates / geocaching.org formulas of the page there is not, unfortunately, we must also prepare for the projects at home.
For multi-caches an incredible relief, especially to exclude miscalculation.
6. Geocaching Toolkit IGCT
The Geocaching toolkit IGCT is a kind of Swiss army knife when it comes to calculations of all kinds. Personal I have the free app for my cache yet never used, so only a few details about the functions:
- Conversion between different coordinate systems
- Calculating new coordinates of the distances, angles and intersections of lines / circles
- Text calculations (positions in the alphabet)
- Decryption (eg hints) using the standard key
- Conversion of Roman numerals
Because some caches are carried out increasingly complex calculations, it can be no mistake, the program to have here, eh, it is also free.
other available tools:
In the AppStore, there are other programs that I have not tried yet, because I totally have been sufficient so far. Among other things, there are still "iGeoCacher" It seems to be quite extensive, but also very expensive with 11.99 €. It enables paperless caching, since the information is stored locally and GPX files can be imported (UPDATE: in cyber berry display is an interesting detail about this is).
Other tools do nothing more than the current coordinates of query, to then place in the Safari geocaching.org call page.
Overall, it should be noted that it is profitable for all the programs described here additionally the recession in the AppStore to read, since each preference to other functions, because of its approach or cache types!
Miscellaneous
In addition to the available programs that may be mentioned the following points concerning the suitability of the iPhone:
- The GPS reliability seems to be very good, I certainly have not made a comparison with a professional device. But everyone has triggered, I could easily find items.
- It makes sense to have a real compass to play (or know where north is) because the programs only a provision from the direction previously traveled path is. So one has to constantly go in an appropriate speed in order to be able to determine the north.
- Battery life is of course one of the biggest handicaps of the iPhone. Here it is advisable to carry out the usual measures taken to save the battery down (display backlight, WiFi off), ...
- The GPS receiver work for me so far in the forest very well, but can of course be limited
- the iPhone is not very protected, so I think it is inappropriate in the outdoor area in the rain and mud.
Conclusion
An introduction to geocaching, the iPhone is always appropriate and also a lot of fun. It is possible to Nulltraif (MotionX GPS Lite, Cards & Safari) and try out all his ability to develop fee-based programs or requirements.
For paperless caching recommend programs like GCBuddy or Groundspeak Geocaching. However, you can also save Web pages transmitted locally on the PC and then onto iPhone (such as "Files lite") to see it there offline.
For multi-caches GCBuddy is recommended despite the price.
Professionals, extreme tours go, the whole probably not appropriate, partly because of battery life and protection against dirt. But as an extended Information portal and provides useful calculators.
I hope one or the other a little insight with this recent report have given, for I am of course always open to suggestions. I am happy with questions via email or in comments made available!
-> New knowledge, I have described here in a small update
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Categories: Useful
Tags: App - geocaching - GPS - Hobby - iPhone
I have also operated in front of my iPhone already time geocaching. As handheld devices with GPS geo I have always been interested. Within the meaning of "location-based services," the iPhone 3G is a real step forward. The geocaching becomes so easy (at any time, any place, without preparation, paperless). Condition is the receipt of a mobile network to transmit data. Because I believe that 90% of all the caches do not require day trip through the wilderness, is the low battery life to be neglected. And finally, the annoying paper-printing house of cache description is omitted. Who wants to look like a spontaneous way cache, we recommend the software from Groundspeak. It is always interesting, in foreign places, within seconds, scanning for nearby caches ...! It's that easy.
So for me the iPhone is the best ever geocaching equipment to the (spontaneous). An outdoor GPS device is thus unnecessary. There are not many caches (is there any?) Require professional equipment.
I cache with a GPSmap60Cx and the iPhone, how often the GPS60 was already in the water, is slammed against walls, or has been totally polluted LostPlaces I can hardly say the cache but also brucht you ever waypoint projections or warnings at intersections also calculate rapprochement to ...
Still, the iPhone is certainly mega schön on getting started, but we can and can not be replaced as quickly Garmin, Topo maps will there be for the iPhone, unfortunately, probably never.
Finest regards!
iPhone itself is in geocaching, a Swiss army knives, you can just do all this - as opposed to simple GPS devices ...
@ Alexander
Right, wenns mal to Nachtchaches, cave caches Abseilcaches, ... the iPhone should be well protected ...
Unfortunately, there is the possibility for multi-caches. For this, I still have my Windows Mobile Smartphone with Cachewolf there.
Outdoor-both devices are not really, but so far none has been damaged.
@ Thomas: For multinationals, the iPhone also offers plenty of opportunities (here) described to steer quickly to any coordinates. A second device is not necessary. Simply Groundspeak software in addition to a second (and install free) software and manually enter the waypoints. Certainly not as convenient, but you have at each station from the GPS device multinationals to re-enter manually.
Entering the coordinates by hand can be easily circumvented:
Simply the appropriate link (from Google Maps) via e-mail to the iPhone. The e-mail open on the iPhone ... ...
Best regards,
Rainer
I have a gps on it but icha can not make someone knows how to do it