Another Geocaching question...

Question for those who do geocaching (for fun, survival, or other wise).

Which coordinate system do you prefer. Long/Lat or UTM?

I'm learning as I go and I like the familiarity of the Long/Lat coordinates (tracking hurricanes all my life), but the UTM use of meters (at least from my very limited reading so far) seems simpler to me...

Guidance needed from the more experienced...

Well, i am learning constantly on lat/long. I grew up with MGRS and really glad the trend is going that direction.

MGRS= Military Grid Reference System

Most cache descriptions and coordinates for mystery caches or multi caches use long/lat. Sometimes coordinates have to be entered during the hunt. So it´s easier to use it instead of switching between the systems as required.
Also make sure to use the proper map datum (WGS 84).

Thanks comms,

I'm unfamiliar with MGRS. I am using the USGS topo maps from the local blueprint supply store.

Is there a way to correlate MGRS with the topo's? (may be a dumb question but that's how I learn - by asking dumb questions).

Oh absolutely Samhain. You need a protractor for a map. Its a clear plastic square with several 90* angles inside it, just make sure to find one that corresponds with your map (ie 1:24,000, 1:50,000, etc). There is usually several angles on the protractor.

Many base type compasses have these on them already.

Quick Guide to UTM/MGRS

Basically when you look at a map, its divided into boxes based on the size of your map ( for example 1:24,000). Regardless of the map size a protractor breaks each box into smaller box 10x10. 100 invisible boxes within the map box.

Locate where you want to go on the map and then find the lower left hand corner of the box. You always read right and up. Place the angled corner of the protractor on that SW box corner and slide it to the right until the N/S edge of the protractor meets the spot you want.

Now along the bottom, you will have a number on the protractor that sits on the SW corner and a number sitting on your destination.

For example, if your trying to coordinate a tower dead center of the map box your protractor would read 5 ticks east, 5 ticks north.

All things map related are confusing to read the first time. Which is why I continue to have issues with Lat/Long, myself. Have fun.

In the UK I use the Ordnance Survey National Grid for geocaching, same as for everything else.

Always...always make sure you know what grid system and datum you are using. An error can leave you lost and WAY off target.

good deal.

thanks for the info!

Considering the thread's title references geocaching ...

Geocaching.com uses lat/long of the form DDD MM.MMM , so for geocaching I'll usually go long with them. I've tried to standardize my lat/long work to that format.

When working with coordinates in the field - with USGS 7.5 minutes topo maps I much prefer to use UTM coordinates.

The grids and info at http://www.maptools.com are GREAT!!

For the last few years I've purchased topo maps from http://www.MyTopo.com because (1) they come pre-printed with UTM coordinate grids, (2) I can specify custom maps that likely span multiple 7.5 minute areas, (3) I can get them printed on waterproof 'paper', and (4) their web site is easy enough to use that even I can use it with great success.

I signed up on the geocaching forum after the last thread. The one on groundspeak, the sign up takes you from the forum to the main site and says it will replicate your account to the forums but it never has, seems something is borked. Anyone able to PM a mod over there?

Interesting plot twist. I signed up at the geocache website after finding a couple dozen within my natural drift of daily activity.

I pulled out my Garmin, an older model eTrex Vista and started plugging in lat/long. I picked one that based on the description I could drive to with a couple hundred feet based on my knowledge of the area. The GPS said I was 20 miles away. Not right. I had my smartphone with me and went online, double checked the coordinates. Plugged em' back in, nothing.

I read another cache that I knew was at a fast food joint based on the description, so I drove there. Fired up the GPS, fired up the website and the coordinates don't match between the two. Still off by about 20 miles.

Frustrated I went home and long story short, my setting for reading lat/long were different in my GPS than what the website gives. I recall letting some friends play with my GPS last summer on a cabin trip and they must have jiggered a setting.

I restored the defaults on the GPS unit, located another geocache within a mile of house based on the description and sure enough it matched right up.

ITS NEVER THE WRONG TIME TO CHECK YOUR GEAR. NEVER ASSUME ITS WORKING PROPERLY.

Lat Longs are the most universal of the coordinate systems. However, you still need to be aware of your Datums. Always double check your settings and the coordinates you are using. I will always use a map to triple check, by plotting to see any errors.

For UK sites they also give OS grid references, and provide a link to convert to other systems.