Geocaching software allows GPS users to download cache information, making the game more fun and less time-consuming. The software uses three different waypoint file formats and can be used on cell phones. It can also manage and store caches on computers and is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Open source geocaching software is also available.
Using geocaching software, also known as paperless geocaching, involves the act of downloading geocache information to a Global Positioning System (GPS) device or computer. GPS users and geocaching enthusiasts can use the computer software as an alternative to manually entering coordinates and other cache information into the GPS receiver. This can make geocaching games more fun and less time consuming.
The information maintained by geocaching software is typically stored using three different waypoint file formats: location (LOC), GPS eXchange Format (GPX), and Keyhole Modeling Language (KML). LOC cache formats, which usually contain only basic data, are used on many popular geocaching websites. GPX, on the other hand, can store data using other helper applications that allow direct downloads and uploads to many GPS devices. KML is commonly used with Google Earth and can read and display map data and track cache movements.
Most of these file formats are readable on GPS devices, with the exception of some low-end devices. Armed with an interface cable, most newer models of GPS devices can download geocache coordinates directly, thus enabling paperless geocaching. Geocaching software can also work on cell phones with built-in GPS. The software allows users to retrieve cache information directly from online geocaching databases in real time.
Those who don’t plan to download geocache information directly to their GPS devices can still take advantage of geocaching software to manage and store caches and other data on the computer for future use. Many geocache software programs and other related tools are available for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms. These programs allow geocachers to add their own tracks to existing cache tracks found in online databases. Like the geocache software used on cell phones, there is also an all-in-one software designed to manage geocache files on your computer, upload the files to GPS devices, and convert them to a different file format.
There are also alternatives for Mac and Linux users available for geocachers who want to get the most out of the effort. These geocaching software programs are in GPX and LOC file formats and often have plug-and-play GPS support that provides clear map data and an option to create a GPS library. For geocachers using Linux, open source geocaching software is available that allows easy import and plotting of waypoints, viewing maps and creating new tracks. Open source geocaching software is also available for geocaching enthusiasts.
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