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Forbidden coordinates


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I just had a new cache knocked back by my reviewer because both the latitude and longitude decimal minutes I obtained when carefully averaging my position at GZ just happen to be values that would be obtained if I'd had my device set to degrees-minutes-seconds and converted those numbers to decimal minutes. I most assuredly did not, and the two reference points and parking coordinates I included in the cache, which were recorded on the same device on the same trip, don't have that problem.

 

Doing a quick bit of arithmetic, it looks like the "bad" coordinates are where the last two digits of the decimal minutes are 00, 17, 33, 50, 67 or 83. The chance of this happening in one of the coordinates is thus 6/100 and in both coordinates is 36/10000 or about 1 in 278. It looks like I hit the jackpot this time.

 

I've added a Reviewer Note explaining this, including a photo of the waypoint (in decimal minutes) I'd stored on my GPSr at GZ when I was setting the cache, and resubmitted it, so I guess I'll find out when he next checks the queue whether that's acceptable, or if I need to fudge one or both coordinates to avoid those bad numbers. But don't the guidelines say we're meant to provide accurate coordinates?

 

Anyway, just thought I should mention this in case anyone else is caught by this trap for the unwary.

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Many reviewers make an effort to help reduce the instances of bad coordinates taken in Decimal minute format, typically using the iPhone's built-in compass app. Occasionally, there will be a false positive. No big deal - just confirm to the reviewer that you're confident in the accuracy of the given coordinates.

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Many reviewers make an effort to help reduce the instances of bad coordinates taken in Decimal minute format, typically using the iPhone's built-in compass app. Occasionally, there will be a false positive. No big deal - just confirm to the reviewer that you're confident in the accuracy of the given coordinates.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I don't envy the volunteer reviewers.
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Sorry...the OP makes zero sense. You can input coordinates in many different formats when submitting a cache or waypoints.

Right. The issue is one of precision. We look for instances where both coordinates have a "whole second" value in Decimal Minutes and Seconds format. That suggests a precision issue may be present.

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Sorry...the OP makes zero sense. You can input coordinates in many different formats when submitting a cache or waypoints.

Right. The issue is one of precision. We look for instances where both coordinates have a "whole second" value in Decimal Minutes and Seconds format. That suggests a precision issue may be present.

 

Makes sense..... probably more for newbies/girl guides hiding caches though.....

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Sorry...the OP makes zero sense. You can input coordinates in many different formats when submitting a cache or waypoints.

Right. The issue is one of precision. We look for instances where both coordinates have a "whole second" value in Decimal Minutes and Seconds format. That suggests a precision issue may be present.

 

Makes sense..... probably more for newbies/girl guides hiding caches though.....

After seeing my Reviewer Note, the reviewer published my cache and sent me an explanation of the system used. Yes, apparently there's a bit of a problem with newbies using apps set to DD.MM.SS format, but he's made a note for future reference that I use a proper GPSr and know how to drive it :) .

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The more I look at this thread the more I think 2 things:

 

1. Forbidden Coordinates sounds like inspiration for puzzle or multicache and I'm feeling "in the zone" with the creative juices flowing and all.

 

I was with you until...

 

2. Forbidden Coordinates would be a great name for a rock band.

 

Hmmm, I think that band only has songs about trigonometry, slide rules and pivot tables.

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The more I look at this thread the more I think 2 things:

 

1. Forbidden Coordinates sounds like inspiration for puzzle or multicache and I'm feeling "in the zone" with the creative juices flowing and all.

 

2. Forbidden Coordinates would be a great name for a rock band.

 

That was my fist thought too. Send me a link to it if you get one up and running. Heck, maybe I'll put one out for your next visit!

Edited by DarkZen
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The more I look at this thread the more I think 2 things:

 

1. Forbidden Coordinates sounds like inspiration for puzzle or multicache and I'm feeling "in the zone" with the creative juices flowing and all.

 

2. Forbidden Coordinates would be a great name for a rock band.

 

That was my fist thought too. Send me a link to it if you get one up and running. Heck, maybe I'll put one out for your next visit!

 

I'm on a roll. Two new caches (one replacing an old favorite, which will find a new place in the field) recently.

 

The cache your elders warned you about!

 

Lead you astray, they said it would!

 

Listen, you did not!

 

Now you find yourself on a trail to Forbidden Coordinates!

 

Man. That sounds like it has fun engraved all over it.

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