Editing Geocaching (section)

==Technology==

===Obtaining data===
GPX files containing information such as a cache description and information about recent visitors to the cache are available from various listing sites. Geocachers may upload geocache data (also known as [[waypoint]]s) from various websites in various formats, most commonly in file-type [[GPX (data transfer)|GPX]], which uses [[XML]].<ref>{{cite web |title=GPX: The GPS Exchange Format |url=https://www.topografix.com/gpx.asp |access-date=July 20, 2009 |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420163755/http://www.topografix.com/gpx.asp |url-status=live}}</ref> Some websites allow geocachers to search (build queries) for multiple caches within a geographic area based on criteria such as [[ZIP code]] or [[geographic coordinate system|coordinates]], downloading the results as an email attachment on a schedule. In recent years, Android and iPhone users can download apps such as GeoBeagle<ref>{{cite web |last=geobeagleteam |title=GeoBeagle: an Android app for Geocaching and letterboxing |url=https://code.google.com/p/geobeagle/ |work=Google codes projects |publisher=Google Project Hosting |access-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-date=December 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226182325/http://code.google.com/p/geobeagle/ |url-status=live}}</ref> that allow them to use their 3G and GPS-enabled devices to actively search for and download new caches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bardua |first=Joachim |title=GeoBeagle – Geocaching Apps für Android Smartphones (5) (GeoBeagle - Geocaching apps for Android smartphones (5)) |url=http://www.navigation-professionell.de/geobeagle-geocaching-apps-fur-android-smartphones-5/ |access-date=January 22, 2013 |newspaper=Navigation-Professionell |date=May 18, 2010 |archive-date=March 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302211434/http://www.navigation-professionell.de/geobeagle-geocaching-apps-fur-android-smartphones-5/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cutler |first=Kim-Mai |title=Augmented reality meets scavenger hunt with GeoBeagle, Wikitude |url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/08/09/augmented-reality-meets-scavenger-hunt-with-geobeagle-wikitude/ |access-date=January 22, 2013 |newspaper=Venturebeat |date=August 9, 2009 |archive-date=January 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111234821/http://venturebeat.com/2009/08/09/augmented-reality-meets-scavenger-hunt-with-geobeagle-wikitude/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Converting and filtering data===
A variety of geocaching applications are available for geocache [[data management]], file-type translation, and personalization. Geocaching [[software]] can assign special icons or search (filter) for caches based on certain criteria (e.g. distance from an assigned point, difficulty, date last found).

[[File:GeoCache and GPSr.jpg|thumb|Coordinates for a geocache can be downloaded onto a GPS receiver and found, without the need for a printout.]]

'''Paperless geocaching''' means hunting a geocache without a physical printout of the cache description. Traditionally, this means that the seeker has an electronic means of viewing the cache information in the field, such as pre-downloading the information to a [[personal digital assistant|PDA]] or other electronic device. Various applications can directly upload and read [[GPS eXchange Format|GPX]] files without further conversion. Newer GPS devices released by [[Garmin]], [[DeLorme]], and [[Magellan Navigation|Magellan]] have the ability to read GPX files directly, thus eliminating the need for a [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.connect.de/themen_spezial/Outdoor-Navigation-mit-dem-Garmin-Colorado-300_1596951.html |title=Outdoor-Navigation mit dem Garmin Colorado 300 |date=April 1, 2008 |publisher=connect.de |page=1 |language=de |access-date=November 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220202659/http://www.connect.de/themen_spezial/Outdoor-Navigation-mit-dem-Garmin-Colorado-300_1596951.html |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Other methods include viewing real-time information on a portable computer with internet access or with an Internet-enabled smart phone. The latest advancement of this practice involves installing dedicated applications on a smart phone with a built-in GPS receiver. Seekers can search for and download caches in their immediate vicinity directly to the application and use the on-board GPS receiver to find the cache.

A more controversial version of paperless Caching involves mass-downloading only the coordinates and cache names (or waypoint IDs) for hundreds of caches into older receivers. This is a common practice of some cachers and has been used successfully for years. In many cases, however, the cache description and hint are never read by the seeker before hunting the cache. This means they are unaware of potential restrictions such as limited hunt times, park open/close times, off-limit areas, and suggested parking locations.

===Mobile devices===
The website geocaching.com<ref>{{cite web|author=${l.c} |url=https://www.geocaching.com/ |title=geocaching.com |publisher=geocaching.com |access-date=March 27, 2013}}</ref> now sells mobile applications which allow users to view caches through a variety of different devices. Currently, the [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], and [[Windows Phone]] mobile platforms have applications in their respective stores. The apps also allow for a trial version with limited functionality. The site promotes mobile applications, and lists over two dozen applications (both mobile and browser/desktop based) that are using their [[proprietary software|proprietary]] but [[royalty-free]] public application programming interface ([[API]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/mobile/partners/ |title=Geocaching > API Partner Applications |access-date=2017-02-12 |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164036/https://www.geocaching.com/mobile/partners/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Developers at c:geo have criticised Groundspeak for being incompatible with open-source development.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cgeo.org/faq#1_21 |title=c:geo – FAQ |access-date=2017-01-17 |work=cgeo.org |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607023243/http://faq.cgeo.org/#1_21 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Additionally, "c:geo - opensource"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cgeo.org/ |title=cgeo.org |publisher=cgeo.org |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-date=April 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402153102/http://cgeo.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref> is a free opensource full function application for Android phones that is very popular.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lim |first=Ian |title=c:geo Geocaching App for Android Review |url=https://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/11/02/cgeo-geocaching-app-for-android-review/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |newspaper=The Gadgeteer |date=November 2, 2011 |archive-date=March 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326201335/http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/11/02/cgeo-geocaching-app-for-android-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kilián |first=Karel |title=c:geo: vyšla další aktualizace (c: geo: published more updates) |url=https://www.svetandroida.cz/cgeo-vysla-dalsi-aktualizace/ |access-date=January 21, 2013 |date=January 14, 2013 |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120034215/http://www.svetandroida.cz/cgeo-vysla-dalsi-aktualizace-201301 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Schön |first=Otakar |title=Nexus 4 na chvíli v redakci IHNED.cz: Krásný a extrémně rychlý telefon od Googlu Vyzkoušeli jsme novou generaci telefonu Nexus, který pro Google (Nexus 4, while in the newsroom IHNED.cz: Beautiful and extremely fast phone from Google) |url=https://tech.hn.cz/c1-59059030-prvni-dojmy-nexus-4-video |access-date=January 21, 2013 |newspaper=ihned.cz |date=January 4, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107014536/http://tech.ihned.cz/testy/c1-59059030-prvni-dojmy-nexus-4-video |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bardua |first=Joachim |title=c:geo – Geocaching Apps für Android Smartphones (1) (c: geo - geocaching apps for Android smartphones (1)) |url=http://www.navigation-professionell.de/cgeo-geocaching-apps-fur-android-smartphones-1/ |access-date=January 22, 2013 |newspaper=Navigation-Professionell |date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=March 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302152256/http://www.navigation-professionell.de/cgeo-geocaching-apps-fur-android-smartphones-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref>  This app includes similar features to the official Geocaching mobile application, such as: View caches on a live map ([[Google Maps (app)|Google Maps]] or [[OpenStreetMap]]), navigation using a compass, map, or other applications, logging finds online and offline, etc.<ref>{{cite web |title=c:geo – Geocaching for Android |url=https://www.cgeo.org/ |website=cgeo.org |access-date=2015-11-05 |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105204403/http://www.cgeo.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Geocaching enthusiasts have also made their own hand-held GPS devices using a [[Lego Mindstorms NXT]] GPS sensor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dexterindustries.com/blog/2010/11/24/geocaching-for-einstein/ |title=Finding Einstein: Geocaching with dGPS &#124; &#124; Dexter Industries BlogDexter Industries Blog |publisher=Dexterindustries.com |access-date=July 15, 2012 |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815035828/http://dexterindustries.com/blog/2010/11/24/geocaching-for-einstein/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Articles on Lego Mindstorms |work=wired.com |url=https://www.wired.com/geekdad/tag/lego-mindstorms-nxt/ |first=Ken |last=Denmead |access-date=March 7, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113102536/http://www.wired.com/geekdad/tag/lego-mindstorms-nxt/ |url-status=live}}</ref>