As a geek I have a few hidden passions I generally don’t share in casual conversation. One of my passions would have to be Geocaching. If you don’t know what that is, then you’re probably not going to read this. If you do, let me let you in on a little secret. The iPhone is an awesome geocaching device! I was skeptical at first of course. How could a phone replace my expensive GPS? Well it does and it doesn’t unfortunately. I’ll start at the top.

The application

So the app you can download is from the  official Geocaching geeks  ‘Groundspeak’. They have screenshots and videos of the App in motion here.  The first advantage is that it hooks directly into the main database of caches instead of through a third party. So you know when you mark a cache as being found you know it’ll be recorded. Second it’s all according to their standards and not some third parties ‘oh I think it should be like this!’ kinda crap you’d expect from a third party know-it-all geek.

One device to rule them all

As most people I always have my phone with me. So to carry another device is pocket overload. GPS’s are bulky, and come with thick cases that can withstand the elements (a plus for backwoods stuff). However for this geek I do less  backwoods and more back alley Geocaching. iPhone Win.

The iPhone benefit

So as most geocachers know, to get caches into their GPS’s you have to connect to a computer and transfer the data over. Which unless you knew where you were going to be going you could be transferring hundreds of caches to cover your area. In the Calgary area there are hundreds if not thousands of caches to be found, so you have to know your destination ahead of time. No GPS I know of has wireless capabilities so the iPhone wins that battle without a fight. Nor does a GPS allow you to read the description, hint, or the readable name (at least mine didn’t).  So with the iPhone Geocaching App I have instant access to ALL of the information on a particular cache from wherever I am. From when it was last found, the description, the hint, and it uses Google maps which IMO is the way to go. It’s a simple to use, powerful, and accurate application. Quite frankly I don’t think they could have done a better job of the application.

How does it perform?

I thought that it might just only work within the city. I didn’t do a lot of research ahead of time before I hit the road on a totally unrelated adventure with my wife. My phone, obviously with me at all times, went with us to this crap hole town north of Calgary by about 2 hours. Honestly the accuracy is something to be marveled at. It doesn’t seem to get thrown off by anything. It led us to the cache within a foot….inside a crop of trees. My GPS would have had me searching for satellites, walking in circles, and probably wasted a fresh charge of batteries before I found the cache.

The downside to iPhone Geocaching

Well you need an iPhone and $10 for the application. If you’re a hardcore Geocacher searching WAY outside cell coverage you may want to stick with your GPS. I don’t know if it would work in the middle of the bush or on top of a mountain and I’m not likely to find an answer on my own. I’m not climbing mountains or traveling to crazy foreign destinations in search of these things. I would imagine if you’re doing that type of Geocaching you’re already juiced up with an uber device and you’ve been hunting for years. Stick with what you know right?

But in all honestly I can’t tell you anything bad about the experience. The combo of iPhone and software worked well beyond my expectations. If you’re looking to get into Geocaching and already own an iPhone, then absolutly give the application a try. Anyone want to buy my old Garmin GPS? I’ll sell it to you for $10 to cover the cost of my application 8^)

iPhone Geocaching Application: (10)