Happy geocaching day!
16 August is International Geocaching Day, a chance to celebrate the 24/7 global treasure hunt.
Geocaching is essentially a high-tech scavenger hunt where you navigate to specific locations using a GNSS-enabled device or smartphone app to locate hidden containers. Called geocaches, these containers are hidden by other players and come in all different shapes and sizes.
There are currently over 3 million geocaches hidden across 190 countries. While the most remote is likely one located on Amsterdam Island (it’s only been found an estimated 3 times!), most geocaches are much more accessible. In fact, there’s probably one close to you right now.
To find it, you first need to make sure you have a GNSS-enabled device. While most smartphones come equipped with GNSS, we suggest that you use a phone that is Galileo enabled. Doing so will give you the unique advantage of being able to navigate using the world’s most precise GNSS programme, ensuring that you know your exact position with greater precision and accuracy than what can be achieved using other available systems.
Learn how to test your phone’s satellite navigation performance here.
Next, download the free Geocaching app and search for a geocache near you. To find it, use the provided coordinates and let Galileo lead the way. Once there, you can open the container and sign the logbook. Some geocaches may even contain small trinkets or prizes.
Remember, always replace the geocache for others to find.
Ready to get started?
As EUSPA is headquartered in Prague, why not hunt for the Prague bridges 1 - Karluv most geocache (GC189E5) – which just so happens to be the most logged geocache in the entire world.
Here are your coordinates: N 50° 05.211 E 014° 24.544
Happy hunting!
About Galileo
Galileo, the EU´s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), provides improved navigation, positioning and timing information. More than 4 billion users are already benefitting from Galileo.
The Galileo Programme is owned by the EU. The European Commission, as the Programme Manager, oversees the implementation of all activities. EUSPA is responsible for the operational management of the services, ensuring that they are delivered with the defined performance and without interruption. Galileo's system design and system evolution are entrusted by EUSPA to ESA .
Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website.