GPS/Apps/Groups

[+swansuite]

Really new to this and have very little background in GPS/maps. I have found four very easy caches so far. I have two questions:

 

1. Is there a group(s) in the greater Seattle area that someone can join to get a sense of the "ropes" of this activity?

 

2. I am using the .com app (very nice), but a particular cache I have been trying to get is a coordinates-based multi. I don't see anywhere to enter coordinates into the app, so I tried my motion-x app. My question is this: is having an actual GPS critical to success in geocaching?

[Pup Patrol]

Really new to this and have very little background in GPS/maps. I have found four very easy caches so far. I have two questions:

 

2. I am using the .com app (very nice), but a particular cache I have been trying to get is a coordinates-based multi. I don't see anywhere to enter coordinates into the app, so I tried my motion-x app. My question is this: is having an actual GPS critical to success in geocaching?

 

You don't specify which app/platform you are using.

 

Help Center

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php

 

Help Center - Apps

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php

 

Help Center → Apps → iPhone Geocaching® app

1.5. How Do I Add a Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=721

 

Help Center → Apps → Android Geocaching® app

2.5. How Do I Add a Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=714

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic iPhone App

3.13. How Do I Create an Additional Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=416

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic Android App

4.11. How do I create an Additional Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=417

 

 

B.

[Rock Chalk]

1. Is there a group(s) in the greater Seattle area that someone can join to get a sense of the "ropes" of this activity?

 

 

Check out the Washington State Geocaching Association (Facebook, website) and the Cachers of Puget Sound Facebook group.

[+niraD]

My question is this: is having an actual GPS critical to success in geocaching?

Not at all. In fact, you don't even need any GPS-enabled device at all. I've found hundreds of caches without any kind of GPS-enabled device: no handheld GPS receiver, no smartphone, just Google maps and satellite images.

 

And a number of us do most (if not all) of our geocaching with smartphones.

 

And in addition to Groundspeak's apps, there are a number of third-party partner apps as well:

https://www.geocaching.com/mobile/partners/

 

You may find one of them easier to use than Groundspeak's app, and a number of them have free trial periods.

[+swansuite]

Really new to this and have very little background in GPS/maps. I have found four very easy caches so far. I have two questions:

 

2. I am using the .com app (very nice), but a particular cache I have been trying to get is a coordinates-based multi. I don't see anywhere to enter coordinates into the app, so I tried my motion-x app. My question is this: is having an actual GPS critical to success in geocaching?

 

You don't specify which app/platform you are using.

 

Help Center

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php

 

Help Center - Apps

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php

 

Help Center → Apps → iPhone Geocaching® app

1.5. How Do I Add a Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=721

 

Help Center → Apps → Android Geocaching® app

2.5. How Do I Add a Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=714

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic iPhone App

3.13. How Do I Create an Additional Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=416

 

Help Center → Apps → Geocaching Classic Android App

4.11. How do I create an Additional Waypoint?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=417

 

 

B.

[+noncentric]

To Pup Patrol's point.

 

We don't often see the Groundspeak app being referred to as "the .com app". I think your post is the 1st time I've ever seen it referred to as such. If we assume that "the .com app" means the Groundspeak app, then there are still 2 versions in existence.

 

Some folks downloaded the paid app before it was removed from the app stores. Without you telling us which app you are using, then we could assume you are using the free app - since your join date is after the date the paid app was discontinued. Of course, then we'd have to make 2 assumptions about what you're working with.

 

To PP's other point, the apps exist on both iPhone and Android devices. The apps have different buttons and appearance on those different platforms, so it's generally helpful to indicate what platform you're using. If someone wanted to help you do a multi on your app, then they would want to know which app you're using so they can give you appropriate instructions about which buttons to press and where those buttons are located.

[ohgood]

Really new to this and have very little background in GPS/maps. I have found four very easy caches so far. I have two questions:

 

1. Is there a group(s) in the greater Seattle area that someone can join to get a sense of the "ropes" of this activity?

 

2. I am using the .com app (very nice), but a particular cache I have been trying to get is a coordinates-based multi. I don't see anywhere to enter coordinates into the app, so I tried my motion-x app. My question is this: is having an actual GPS critical to success in geocaching?

 

No, you'll do fine with a smartphone. Just load the caches with whatever application you like, and enjoy the hike.