Any new geocacher will quickly understand the need to learn the “geo-lingo” used for the game of geocaching. TFTC, BYOP, SWAG — the acronym list goes on and on. Understanding the terminology and various acronyms adds to the challenge of the hunt for hidden treasures.

This article provides an exhaustive list of acronyms and terms you may encounter while geocaching.

A

A White Day Turned Green (AWDTG)

A white day turned green (AWDTG) refers to days of the calendar where you have found a geocache.

Additional Logging Requirements (ALR) Are Sometimes Required

Additional logging requirements (ALR) refers to any other logging requirements other than finding the geocache and signing the log. According to geocaching.com rules, additional logging requirements must be optional.

AMMO Cans Make Great Geocaching Containers

“Ammo can” is a short-hand term for ammunition boxes. It is a container initially designed for the transport and storage of ammunition. Ammo cans are popular containers to be used for regular or large geocaches.

APE Caches Contained Movie Props

Fourteen geocaches were placed in 2001 to commemorate the 20th Century Fox movie Planet of the APES. Each of these 14 geocaches represented a fictional story about scientists revealing an alternate primate evolution. The caches were made using marked ammo cans and contained an original prop from the movie. Only one Project A.P.E. cache remains. It is called Mission 4: Southern Bowl.

What Does It Mean to Archive a Cache?

An archive designation means a geocache has been permanently removed from geocaching.com search results. A geocache owner can archive their own listings. Alternatively, a geocache can be temporarily disabled. For example, if it needs maintenance or if the container needs to be replaced.

Attributes Are Iconic!

Attributes are icons designating certain features of a geocache. They describe specific characteristics of the geocache.

There are many different kinds of attributes. For example, if the cache is wheelchair accessible, dog-friendly, etc. It allows users to filter the search by the type of geocache they want to find, for example, geocaches with a view.

For a complete list of geocaching attributes, along with their icons, visit geocaching.com.

B

The Base of a Tree (BOT) is a Good Hiding Spot

A geocache description with a hint that states “BOT” signifies the geocache is at the base of a tree. Indeed the BOT is a common hiding place!

A Basic Membership is Free

There are two types of memberships at geocaching.com: basic and premium. The premium membership provides users with many additional features the basic membership doesn’t offer. For example, advanced searches, awarding favorite points, viewing other map types, making pocket queries, and much more.

Some geocaches are restricted to premium members.

A basic membership is free. A premium membership currently costs $9.99 for three months or $29.9 for one year.

Premium memberships can be gifted.

Benchmarks Are Survey Markers

Benchmarks are survey markers set by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). They are a specific type of survey mark with a known elevation of an adopted surface or datum.

Note, the term “benchmark” is often incorrectly used to refer to a “survey mark.” However, not all survey marks are benchmarks. See “survey mark” below.

Benchmarks are found by using your GPS unit or written instructions provided by NGS.

What is a Bison?

A bison is a small, cylindrical, metal, water-tight container. It is also called a “bison tube.” The name “bison” came from the original manufacturer.

These tubes have a small ring attached to them so they can be easily attached to fences, trees, and similar structures.

Bookmark List

A bookmark list allows a geocacher to create a group geocache listing. For example, if you were going geocaching over a weekend and had a specific lists of caches you wanted to find, then you could create a list.

This feature is only available to geocaching.com premium members.

You have the option of making the list public or keep it private for yourself.

What Does Bring Back the Cache (BBTC) Mean?

Bring back the cache (BBTC) is a cache that has not been found for at least a year. It is also referred to as a resuscitator (resus) cache.

Bring Your Own Pen/Pencil (BYOP) to Sign the Log

If you see “BYOP” on a geocache listing, it means that you need to bring your own pen or pencil to sign the log. It’s common to see this on micro and small geocache listings because they aren’t large enough for a pen or pencil.

Bug

See “travel bug” below.

What is Bushwhacking?

When a cache is hidden in a brushy area or significantly off-trail, a geocacher may need to navigate through the bushes, undergrowth, or undesirable terrain to get to ground zero of the cache site. This is known as “bushwhacking.” It refers to beating or cutting your way through the bushes.

C

What Does C&D Refer To?

A C&D is a geocache with a difficulty and terrain (D/T) rating of 1/1. It is one that can be grabbed quickly and easily.

What Is a Cache?

The word “cache” is the shortened version of geocache. Geocache and cache are used interchangeably to refer to a container hidden for the game of geocaching.

A Cacher Is Someone Who Looks for Geocaches

The word “cacher” is the shortened term for the word “geocacher.” It refers to a person who looks for geocaches.

Caches Along a Route

If you are a premium member, you can use a feature on geocaching.com that allows you to identify a group of geocaches located on a specific route. These are referred to as “chaches along a route.”

What Is a Challenge Cache?

A challenge cache is a geocache that requires seekers to find another associated cache (or caches) set by the challenge owner. 

What (or who) is a Charter Member?

A charter member is someone who purchased a geocaching premium membership the first year it was offered and every year since. Since geocaching.com was started in the year 2000, that’s a lot of years!

Cache In, Cache Out (CITO) to Save the Environment

Cache In, Cache Out (CITO) is an environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community on a worldwide basis. Its purpose is to encourage geocachers to clean up parks and cache-friendly places around the globe.

CITO events involve geocachers and community members working together to clean up trash, plant trees, build trails, and much more. To learn more, watch this video about CITO Events.

Every Geocache Has a Cache Owner (CO)

A cache owner (CO) is the person who has placed a geocache container for the game of geocaching. He or she is the container’s owner and is responsible for its upkeep.

Shhh, It’s a Secret Cipher

A cipher is a code, a shortened way of writing a secret. For geocaching, a ROT13 cipher (see below) is used to solve hints for geocache locations.

Geocaching Collectibles Can be Kept

A geocaching collectible is a trackable item that can be kept; it does not have to be physically moved to another geocache location. Pathtags are an example of a collectible that can be kept or treated as SWAG. Pathtags can be moved along, but they don’t have to be. View my related post about pathtags here on Geocachery.com. 

What Is a Geocaching Collection?

A collection is a list of collectibles that appears on the owner’s geocaching.com profile page. The collection list can only be seen by the owner. Items on the list can be discovered by other geocachers, but cannot be grabbed, dropped, or dipped. Compare “collection” to “inventory” below.

Coordinates Tell You the Exact Position

The term “coordinates” refers to a set of numbers — latitude and longitude — that refer to an exact position or waypoint on earth.  See “latitude” and “longitude” below. Knowing the coordinates of a place or point on the earth is, of course, necessary for geocaching, but is also incredibly important for use for military efforts, engineering, and rescue operations.

Coords

Coords is the abbreviated version of coordinates.

The Geocacher’s Creed Keeps Players in Line

The geocacher’s creed helps new and experienced geocache seekers understand the rules and general guidelines applicable to the geocaching sport.

D

Datum

A geodetic datum is a coordinate system with a reference surface (for example, sea level). There are several geodetic datums defined by the U.S. National Geodetic Survey. These can be separated into U.S. States and Territories datums and International Datums.

The datum used by geocaching.com is the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84). This system was defined by the U.S. Department of Defense and is commonly the one used by civilian GPS software.

What is a Decon?

A decon is a small container used as a geocache. Decon is short for decontamination, a decontamination container.

Did Not Attempt (DNA)

A DNA notation on a geocache record means the geocacher did not attempt to locate the cache. For example, I recently searched for a geocache that “I thought” would be an easy park and grab. Although the cache was in a convenient location, it was placed on top of a steep hill. I decided it was too difficult of a climb. On my geocaching phone app, I entered an activity note with the acronym DNA.

Did Not Find (DNF)

Similarly, the acronym DNF stands for “did not find.” The acronym is used by geocachers to show that they could not find a cache.

A Difficulty and Terrain (D/T) Rating Will Tell You How Hard a Geocache Is to Locate

Geocaches are rated according to the difficulty level and terrain of the cache location. The difficulty level pertains to how “difficult” it is to locate the cache.

The terrain relates to the physical environment where the geocache is located.Each is rated according to a 5 point scale broken down into half-point increments. For example, a D1/T1 rating would be easy to find, while a D5/T5 would be the hardest.

A more detailed explanation of the D/T rating system can be found here.

Trackable Items Can be Dipped Into a Geocache

Dipping is the practice of logging a trackable item into a geocache and then immediately removing it and logging it back into one’s possession. This serves the purpose of registering miles on a trackable.

Disable

If a geocache needs repairs or the location becomes inaccessible, the geocache can be marked as temporarily inactive. This temporarily disables the geocache.

DT Grid

See “fizzy grid” below.

E

EarthCaches (EC) Are Cool!

An earthcache is a type of geocache placed at a location where people can visit to learn about a unique geoscience feature. The cache listings will include a specific geology lesson developed by the community.

Event Cache

An event cache is a geocache placed for a gathering of geocachers or geocaching organizations for a specific event. Attending an event that has event caches is a great way to increase one’s find count.

Event Owner / Organizer (EO)

An event owner or organizer is the person who organizes a geocaching event.

ExTagz

ExTagz are similar to pathtags. They are a small signature trade item.

F

What is a Favorite Point (FP)?

Premium geocaching.com members are awarded favorite points. When they find a cache they really like, they can assign the favorite point to that geocache. It is a way to recognize geocaches that have particular favorable qualities.

Find Count

The find count is the number of geocaches a geocacher has found.

First to Find (FTF)

FTF is an acronym referring to “first to find.” It refers to a geocacher who is first to find a new geocache.

What is a Fizzy Grid?

A fizzy grid is a table of all the possible difficulty and terrain (DT) combinations. It is also called a DT grid. There are 81 possible DT combinations. A fizzy challenge will require geocachers to fill every square in the grid.

G

What Is a GC Code?

The GC Code is a unique code associated with a geocache. The code begins with the letters “GC” and is then followed by other alphanumeric characters. Geocaches can be identified by this code.

Geoart Is Beautiful!

Sometimes when you look at a map of geocaches, you’ll notice specific patterns emerging, like a star, a circle, or another figure. These are called geoart. They are geocaches specifically and purposely placed to look like a word, an object, or art when displayed on a map.

What Is a Geocache?

A geocache is a container hidden at set coordinates for the sport of geocaching, an outdoor treasure hunting game. The geocache container typically contains a logbook for geocachers to sign when they find the container. A geocache is also referred to as a “cache.”

Geocache List

See “bookmark list” above.

Geocacher

A geocacher is a person who participates in the sport of geocaching.

What Is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a worldwide outdoor treasure hunting game. The primary website to use for geocaching is geocaching.com. Using GPS-enabled devices, seekers of geocaches (geocachers) search for hidden containers called geocaches.

Where is Geocaching HQ?

Geocaching HQ is the primary office location for geocaching.com, Groundspeak, Waymarking.com, and Wherigo.com. The headquarters is located in Seattle, Washington.

Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK)

The geocaching Swiss Army knife (GSAK) is not really a knife. It is software that lets a user store and manage an offline database of geocaches and waypoints.

What Are Geocoins?

A geocoin is a coin with a unique code that allows it to be tracked on geocaching.com. Similar to travelogs, each geocoin’s code is unique. This unique code enables the geocoin to be individually tracked as hit mores from geocache to geocache or person to person.

Geocoins are often designed and created by geocachers as signature items. Thus, in addition to being trackable, they can also be used as a collectible.

Geostripes Can Hurt!

A geostripe is a scar or wound obtained while geocaching.

Giga-Event

A Giga-event is a type of event where geocachers gather to participate in the sport of geocaching. They are large events. Geocaching.com defines a Giga event as one that is attended by 5000 plus people. They attract geocachers from around the world and are typically held annually.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

The acronym GPS stands for global positioning system. The GPS is an essential U.S.-owned utility that provides users with global positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.

There are three segments GPS segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment. The user segment is the one important for geocaching. This segment consists of GPS receiver equipment that uses GPS signals from satellites to transmit information necessary to calculate the user’s three-dimensional position and time.

For more information about the user segment and how GPS is used, click here. To learn more about the Global Positioning System, click here.

GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit

The GPS adventures maze exhibit is a traveling, educational experience. Its purpose is to teach people of all ages about navigation GPS technology and geocaching participants to get hands-on experience using GPS technology. The visitors are led through a maze containing interactive science experiences.

GPSr

GPSr is another term used for a GPS receiver. It refers to the equipment used to receive GPS signals for the purpose of navigation.

GPS eXchange Format (GPX)

The GPX is a type of data format used to describe waypoints, tracks, and routes. It is an interchangeable format for GPS devices and software.

What Does it Mean When A Cache Is Grandfathered?

Grandfathered caches are those that are no longer allowed under current geocaching.com rules. However, they still exist because they were allowed at the time they were placed.

Ground Zero (GZ)

When you reach a geocache, your GPS device will show or tell you that you’ve reached “ground zero.” This means that you are zero feet (or meters) from the geocache location.

What Is Groundspeak?

Groundspeak, Inc. is the parent company that owns and operates geocaching.com.

Groundspeak also owns and operates waymarking.com and wherigo.com. It was originally launched in 2000 by founders Jeremy Irish, Elias Alvord, and Bryan Roth. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA.

H

Hedera Helix

Hedera Helix is a Latin term for “ivy.” It is frequently used as a hint for finding a geocache.

Some Geocaches Are Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS)

Hidden in plain sight (HIPS) means the geocache is hidden in a location that is in plain sight.

Hitchhiker

A hitchhiker is an item placed in a cache with specific instructions to travel to other geocaches. For example, a travel bug is a type of hitchhiker.

I

Inventory

An inventory is a grouping or a list of non-collectible trackable items in a geocacher’s possession. The list can be viewed by other geocachers. The trackables in that inventory can be grabbed, dropped, discovered, etc. by other geocachers.

J

What Is a Jasmer Challenge?

A jasmer challenge is a geocaching challenge where the seeker must find at least one cache placed during every month since geocaching began. 

L

Lab Cache

A lab cache is an experimental cache that is commonly found at mega and giga geocaching events.

Lackey

In the geocaching world, a lackey is someone who works at Geocaching HQ.

Lamp Post Cache (LPC)

The acronym LPC stands for “lamp post cache.” It is a type of geocache that is hidden under an unsecured lamp post base.

Latitude

Latitude refers to the distance north or south of the Equator. It is measured in degrees. It is used in conjunction with longitude that pinpoints an exact location or waypoint on earth.

Left Nothing (LN)

LN stands for “left nothing.” This is an acronym indicating that a geocacher has left nothing in the geocache. For example, the geocacher has not left any SWAG.

Latitudes run horizontally on the earth’s globe and run parallel to the Equator. Latitudes never intersect. Each degree of latitude equals approximately 69 miles or 111 kilometers in length. See “longitude” below.

Legacy Cache Type

A legacy cache is a type of geocache. It refers to geocaches allowed to remain active based on a rule or guideline that is no longer effective or in existence. Legacy caches remain active as long as their owners maintain the containers and the placement does not cause problems for the community where it is placed.

Letterbox(ing)

Letterboxing is to be distinguished from geocaching. It is another form of treasure hunting. But, instead of using coordinates, it uses clues. And, it combines the elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle solving.

Letterbox Hybrid Cache (LBH)

In some cases, a geocache owner will make a container both a letterbox and a geocache. These are referred to as letterbox hybrid caches (LBH). They will have their coordinates posted on geocaching.com. And, in addition, a stamp will exist inside the cache container for letterbox recording purposes. The stamp is to be used by visitors to record their visits.

What Is the Lily Pad?

The term “lily pad” is an alternative name for the main Geocaching headquarters located in Seattle, Washington, USA. The term came about as a reference to Signal the frog, Geocaching.com’s mascot.

List

See “bookmark list” above.

LOC

LOC refers to the original download format for search results on geocaching.com.

Locationless Cache

A locationless geocache is one that does not have a hidden container. Instead, geocachers are tasked with finding a specific object and log its coordinates. Locationless caches are no longer allowed on geocaching.com. However, you can find them on waymarking.com.

Lock & Lock

A lock & lock is a geocaching container with four snaps on the lid to create a good seal. You may also see them referred to as “lock ’n lock” or “locknlock.”

Log

A log is the record of everyone who has signed or interacted with a geocache. It includes the physical paper log in the geocache and the online record of that cache. “Log” also refers to the act of recording a geocache find, e.g., “I need to log this cache” to show I found it.

Logbook

A logbook is a physical record contained inside a geocache that shows who has found the cache. The size and type vary. It may be a slip of paper, a small notebook, or a similar type of signable item. Geocachers sign the logbook when they find a cache.

Lonely Cache

See BBTC above. It’s a cache that hasn’t been found for at least a year.

Longitude

Longitude is a number used in conjunction with latitude that pinpoints an exact location or waypoint on earth. It is a measurement appearing east or west of the prime meridian. Longitudes lines, also called meridians, run vertically on the globe. They converge at the North and South Poles. Longitude lines are the widest apart at the Equator. The meridian that runs through Greenwich, England recognized as the line of 0 degrees longitude, also referred to as prime meridian. For more information, click here.

Lost and Found Event

A lost and found event is one held to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of geocaching.

Lost Place Cache

A lost place cache is one located at an abandoned site.

M

Mega-Event Cache

A mega event is a geocaching event where geocachers participate in the sport of geocaching. A mega event is typically attended by at least 500 people.

Micro Cache

A micro cache is the smallest size of geocache. Generally, it is about the size of a film canister or small pill bottle. A nano cache is the smallest of micro caches. These are about the size of a pencil eraser and are often magnetic.

Watch Out for the Muggles!

When you read through geocache descriptions and logs, you will often see a reference such as “watch out for muggles.” The term “muggle” comes from the Harry Potter series and means a non-magical person.

In the geocaching world, a muggle is someone who is not a geocacher. It refers to an individual in close proximity to a geocache when a geocacher is searching for it. So, saying “watch out for muggles,” simply means watch out for non-geocachers who may be close by because you don’t want them to find the geocache.

Muggled

A muggled geocache is one that has been disrupted, disturbed, dismantled, or removed by a muggle, a non-geocacher.

Multi-Cache

A multi-cache is a cache with two or more locations. The first cache will have a hint to find the second cache, the second will have a hint to find the third, and so on (depending on how many caches are in the multi-cache). The final cache will have a container with a logbook. The non-final caches, the ones with the hints, are called offset caches.

Multi-Trunk Tree (MTT)

Multi-trunk tree (MTT) is a common hint for geocaches. It tells seekers to look for a tree with multiple trunks.

Mystery Cache

A mystery cache requires a geocacher to solve a series of steps or instructions before being given the coordinates. Mystery caches are also referred to as puzzle caches. See “puzzle cache” below.

N

Nano Caches Are Tiny

Nano caches are smallest of micro caches used for geocaching. They are about the size of a pencil eraser.

National Geodetic Survey (NGS)

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) provides a framework for all positioning activities in the United States. It provides foundational information such as latitude, longitude, elevation, and shoreline aspects.

Needs Archived (NA)

In some cases, a geocache may need to be archived. For example, if the cache container has been lost for a while and no one has replaced it. In these situations, a “NA” note should be placed in the activity log.

Needs Maintenance (NM)

A “needs maintenance” (NM) note in a geocache activity log tells the cache owner that the cache needs some form of attention.

Non-collectible

A non-collectible is a trackable item that is not kept in a geocacher’s possession. It is an item that should be moved to another geocache. For example, travel bugs are non-collectible; they should be moved from one geocache to another and not be kept.

O

An Offset Cache Is the LastCache in a Multi-Cache Set

A multi-cache (see above) is a cache with two or more locations. The first cache will have a hint to find the second cache, the second will have a hint to find the third, and so on (depending on how many caches are in the multi-cache). The final cache will have a container with a logbook. The non-final caches, the ones with the hints, are called offset caches.

Online Positioning User Service (OPUS)

The Online Positioning User Service is provided by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS). It gives users free access to high-accuracy National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) coordinates.

This service allows individuals to solve their GPS position and tie it to the National Spatial Reference System.

Original Can of Beans (OCB)

The first geocache had a piece of SWAG called “original can of beens” (OCB).

P

Pocket Query (PQ)

A pocket query (PQ) is a premium member geocaching.com feature that allows a user to create a custom geocache search. You can download the list on a daily or weekly basis.

Pocket queries can include filters that let the user customize the list.

You can download 1000 caches at a time with a pocket query. The queries are sent to the user via email.

Posted Coordinates Tell You The Location

Geocaching uses posted coordinates to indicate the latitude and longitude of a certain geocache or other location. It could refer to a geocache location, parking area, an event, or any other reference point.

Power Trails Rock!

A power trail is a location, path, or trail with many geocaches placed close to one another. Power trails help geocachers increase their overall find count of geocaches.

Preform

A preform is a type of geocache container. It resembles a test tube, is water tight with a threaded neck, and is durable. Preforms make excellent geocache containers.

A Premium Membership Comes With Perks

Geocaching.com offers two types of memberships — basic and premium. The basic membership is free, while the premium membership requires a subscription fee. However, the premium membership comes with perks and features not available to basic members.

Premium Member Only (PMO) Cache

A premium member-only (PMO) cache is a geocache that is limited to geocaching.com premium members. Individuals with basic memberships will not be able to view these caches.

Project APE

See APE Cache above

Project GC (PGC)

Project GC (PGC) is a website that offers statical data about geocaching. The site has numerous features and has free and paid membership plans. The site also provides map tools. All statistics are calculated using data from geocaching.com. 

Puzzle Caches Are Mysterious

A puzzle cache is a geocache that requires seekers to solve a puzzle to find the final coordinates leading to the cache. The puzzle needs to be solvable based on information provided on the cache page. They are also commonly referred to as “mystery” caches.

Q

Quick Easy Find (QEF)

A quick, easy find (QEF) designation simply means the geocache can be quickly and easily found. Geocachers locating the cache may make this QEF notation on the log for the cache.

R

Replaced as Found (RAF)

A geocache log notation that the cache and contents were replaced as found (RAF) means … well, exactly what it says.

Reviewer

A geocache reviewer is someone who volunteers to review geocache listings. Geocache listings must adhere to strict listing requirements and guidelines. Therefore, reviewers serve an essential role in making sure geocache listings are standardized and accurate.

ROT13

ROT13 is a letter substitution cipher code where each letter of the alphabet is rotated 13 characters up or down. Geocache listings commonly include a hint giving the seeker a tip for finding a cache. Hints are displayed in ROT13 language. Half of the alphabet letters are on one line; the second half is displayed below. When displayed as the code, the top line’s letters are interchanged with those on the bottom row and vice versa.

A little trivia for you: ROT13 is also known as a Caesar cipher and was used by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC.

S

Signal the Frog

Signal is a frog and the official mascot of geocaching.com.

Signature Item

A signature item is something unique to an individual geocacher that they place in geocaches to show they found the cache. Possible examples are geocoins, pathtags, tokens, pins, or calling cards.

Signed Log (SL)

SL is the acronym used for “signed log.” It is used by geocachers to indicate they have signed the log for a geocache.

Spoilers Can Ruin the Fun

Spoiler alert! That’s the phrase frequently used when someone talks about a movie that others have not seen. A spoiler is a piece of information that gives something away, certain details that may ruin something’s experience. In geocaching parlance, it refers to details or clues that someone may not want to know and that may ruin the fun of the hunt.

Second to Find (STF)

When a new geocache is placed, avid geocachers will hurriedly rush to find it to win the coveted “first to find” (FTF) designation (and possibly some cool SWAG as well.) A “second to find” (STF) designation is used to describe a person who is the second to find the new geocache.

Streak

The term “streak” describes finding at least one geocache every day for a consecutive group of days.

Survey Mark

A survey mark is a permanent mark or disk placed in the ground or attached to a structure that has a known latitude, longitude, or height information.

Although the term benchmark is often used interchangeably with “survey mark, they are different. A benchmark is a type of survey mark.

Survey marks may also be referred to as a “survey point” or “control point.”

Suspicious Pile of Rocks (SPOR)

The term “suspicious pile of rocks” (SPOR) may be used as a hint to tell a geocacher that the geocache is located under a pile of rocks. Or, a finder of a cache may make the notation in the log book. Either way, there are rocks involved.

SWAG

SWAG is an acronym for “stuff we all get.” In geocaching terms, it refers to the cool trinkets and trading items that geocachers place in geocaches. Some geocachers, myself included, buy SWAG in bulk. I mean, what would treasure hunting be without the treasures?

T

Thanks For The Cache (TFTC)

TFTC is probably the most common acronym you will see on geocache log postings. It stands for “thanks for the cache.” You may also see it noted as T4TC.

Thanks For The Hide (TFTH)

This one is similar to TFTC. It means “thanks for the hide.” It may also be written as T4TH.

Took Nothing, Left Nothing (TNLN)

Sometimes a geocacher is just interested in finding a cache but doesn’t want to trade SWAG. TNLN means “took nothing, left nothing.”

Took Nothing, Left Nothing, Signed Log (TNLNSL / TNSL)

This one is similar to TNLN. It means “took nothing left nothing, signed logbook.”

Tools of The Trade (TOTT)

We all need “tools of the trade.” TOTT refers to the tools geocachers use to search for, retrieve, find, and log a geocache.

What is a Trackable?

A trackable is an item with a unique code assigned to the object from which it can be “tracked.” The trackable item can be moved from cache to cache or from person to person. As it moves, its progress can be tracked on geocaching.com. Travel bugs and geocoins are examples of trackables.

Tracking Number

A tracking number is a unique code assigned to a trackable to monitor its progress as it moves from cache to cache or from person to person. Tracking numbers can also be used as proof that a geocacher found a trackable.

For example, I have a travel bug called “Goofy Graduates from College.” Its tracking number is TB3MAHV. I placed it in a geocache in Wisconsin when my stepdaughter graduated from college. Goofy’s mission is to “blaze a travel trail for this new graduate to follow.” [insert: travel bugs, goofy graduates] So far, Goofy has traveled 17,599 miles. He is currently located in Osterreich, an East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe.

Traditional Cache

A traditional cache is so-called because it was the original geocache type of cache. These vary in size. Traditional caches may or may not include SWAG but must include a logbook or log sheet.

Travel Bug

Travel bugs are trackable items. They will have a tag attached with a unique tracking code. Also referred to simply as a “bug.”

The primary purpose of a travel bug is to travel. They are meant to travel from geocache to geocache, moved along by individual geocachers.

Most travel bugs will have a secondary purpose determined by the bug’s owner. For example, to travel to a foreign country.

The progress of travel bugs can be viewed on geocaching.com.

Travel Bug Hotel (TB Hotel)

TB Hotels are the coolest geocaches to find! I always seek them out. These are geocaches made with the specific purpose of acting as an exchange point for travel bugs (TBs). See travel bugs below. They are typically regular or large-sized containers. They are quite frequently placed in touristy-type areas to make it convenient for geocacher travelers to drop off the travel bugs in their possession.

U

Unnatural Pile of Sticks (UPS)

The acronym UPS refers to an unnatural (or unusual) pile of sticks found at a cache location. It’s a common sign that a geocache can be found under the sticks.

V

Virtual Cache

A virtual cache is a type of legacy cache. See “legacy cache” above. With virtual caches, geocachers discover a location rather than a container. Since they are categories as “legacy” caches, this type of cache can no longer be created on geocaching.com. However, there are still some in existence that can be found. You just can’t create any new ones. Typically, virtual caches require some form of action, such as completing a task like answering a question, taking a picture, etc.

W

Watchlist

A watchlist is a list that geocachers use to receive notifications about specific geocaches or trackables. When a geocache or trackable is on a user’s watchlist, the user will receive an email notification when someone posts a log for that cache or trackable item.

Waymarking

Waymarking adds to the experience of geocaching. According to geocaching.com, it is a “toolset for categorizing and adding unique information for that location.”  According to Merriam-Webster, a “waymark” is “an object serving as a guide to someone traveling.” In the geocaching realm, it is a way to mark and visit locations around the world and add unique information and categories about the locations.

Waypoint

A waypoint is a reference point for a physical location on the earth. They are defined by  a set of coordinates (latitude and longitude) and sometimes include altitude. All geocaches listed on geocaching.com have a waypoint.

Webcam Cache

A webcam cache uses web cameras placed by individuals or entities to monitor a specific area, such as a park or business location. For geocaching purposes, the goal is to put yourself in front of the camera to log your visit, then you look up the picture on your phone or computer. You must save the image to log the cache. Webcams are now classified as legacy caches. Some still exist; however, they can no longer be created on geocaching.com.

WGS84

WGS84 is a geodetic datum used for GPS. It is the World Geodetic System of 1984. GPS receivers rely on WGS84 for various functions, such as navigation. It is the default datum used by geocaching.com for locating geocaches. Geocaching.com also uses the coordinate format HDDD MM.MMM. This is the standard for handheld GPS receivers. HDDD refers to hemisphere and degrees, MM.MMM are minutes expressed in decimal format.

What Is a Wherigo Cache?

A wherigo cache is a type of geocache that also allows geocachers the experience of interacting with physical and virtual elements. For example, finding characters while also looking for a physical geocache. The website Wherigo.com provides the tools for creating and playing the GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. It integrates a whereto experience, referred to as a cartridge, with finding a geocacher. Players must have a wherigo-enabled GPS device or a smartphone using the Wherigo app to search for a cartridge.