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.

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.

Currently, Geocaching uses the WGS84 datum for all caches.

F

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

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 - Slang for GPS receiver.

GPSr - The device used to track the GPS Satellites.

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.

L

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.

R

Rare Earth Magnets - Made from Neodymium Iron Boron magnets.

S

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.

T

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.