Glossary

C

Cache - See Geocache.

Cache Creep - The cumulative effect of geocachers returning a cache to a very slightly different position each time it is replaced. Over time, the cache "creeps" into an entirely different place.

CITO - Cache In Trash Out - When out geocaching, take a bag with you and pick up trash along the way!

Confluence - A confluence is defined as a flowing together; a meeting place (often of rivers). In our case a degree confluence is the exact spot where an integer degree of latitude and an integer degree of longitude meet.

Coordinates - A set of numbers in latitude and longitude that define a location on earth. In geocaching terms, this is where the cache should be located.

D

Datum - A datum is something used as a basis for calculating and measuring. In the case of GPS, datums are different calculations for determining longitude and latitude for a given location. Geocaching uses the WGS84 datum for all caches. WGS84 stands for World Geodetic System 1984.

Difficulty - A subjective rating on how difficult it will be to locate / find the cache once you get to GZ.

F

FTF - First To Find. Usually found in the forums or written in the online or physical log books.

FTF Hound - First To Find Hound. One who revels in finding a new cache first.

G

GAxxxx - Geocaching Australia waypoint identifier.

GCxxxx - Geocaching.com waypoint identifier.

Geocache - The object for which you seek in Geocaching.

Geocaching - A hide and seek game using GPS technology.

GPS - A system of satellites used for geocaching.

GPS - Common term for GPS receiver.

GPSr - The device used to track the GPS Satellites.

GZ - Ground Zero. The place where your GPS indicates the cache should be located.

H

Haystacking - Hiding a cache in a place that has an exremely large number of possible hiding places.

Hitch hiker - A hitchhiker is an item that is placed in a cache, and has instructions to travel to other caches. Sometimes they have logbooks attached so you can log their travels. A Travel Bug and a Swaggie are examples.

Huckle Buckle Beanstalk! - What you call out when you are out finding caches with other teams, and you see and locate the cache before they do. It also confirms to Noobies that they are really out with loonies! this is an aboscure way to say you found it! - see this website for an explanation huckle buckle beanstalk

L

Large Cache - Of the 4 physical cache sizes, this one is the largest.

Letterboxing - Letterboxing is similar to Geocaching, but you use a series of clues to find a container. Once you find the container (or letterbox), you take a carved stamp from the box and stamp your personal logbook. You then take your carved stamp and stamp the letterbox's log book.

M

Maintenance - The function of checking on your hidden caches to ensure that:

• The cache is still there
• It hasn't been eaten by Bugblatter Beast of Traal
• The cache container retains it integrity and is not leaking.
• Everything inside the cache container is still in good condition.

Micro Cache - Of the 4 physical cache sizes, this one is the smallest.

Multi Cache - Also known as an offset cache, this cache is not found at the listed co-ordinates. The listed set of co-ordinates will generally lead you to a location where you may be required to gather additional information which will be used to find the final cache location. There may be a cache at the listed co-ordinates, but in general terms, this cache will have a puzzle or additional co-ordinates to visit which you must do in order to find the actual cache. This different from a Mystery Cache.

R

Rare Earth Magnets - Made from Neodymium Iron Boron magnets.

Regular Cache - Of the 4 physical cache sizes, this one is number 3 in increasing size.

S

STF - Second to find. Especially disappointing if the finder is expecting to be the FTF

Spoiler - A spoiler is information that can give details away and ruin the experience of something. For example, telling someone the end of a movie before they see it. In geocaching, a spoiler gives away details of a cache location and can ruin the experience of the hunt.

Small Cache - Of the 4 physical cache sizes, this one is number 2 in increasing size.

T

Terrain - A subjective rating on how difficult you will find it getting to GZ.

TFTC - Thanks For The Cache , Alt. TFTH - Thanks For The Hunt.

Traditional Cache - A standard cache that has at a minimum, container and a logbook. The traditional cache can be found at the co-ordinates which are provided on the cache page.

Travel Bug - A Travel Bug is a Geocaching.com Hitch hiker.

TNLN - Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Usually found in cache logbooks for folks that enjoy the thrill of the hunt more than the material contents of the cache.

TNLNSL - TNLN + Signed Log

U,V & W

Virtual Cache - Adapted from "Virtual Reality," virtual means "nothing there." So a virtual cache means there is no cache container. It's the location that is the cache itself. Nothing is normally traded, except photos and experiences.

WAAS - WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, but that doesn't really describe what it is. Not available in Australia. See Garmin About WAAS.