Geocaching with a Trimble GeoXT
The Trimble GeoXT is surely overkill for your average cache hunting. However, there are a few situations and games where the extra high precision provided is quite helpful. Using differential GPS, the GeoXT provides reliable, sub meter accuracy.
Cache owners that have hidden multiple caches sooner or later face logs
that criticize the coordinates as being off or simply not exact enough. If
stations and final coordinates are taken with a tool like the GeoXT, then
the resolution and accuracy of the position measured is typically higher
than the regular coordinate format (which only goes down to a "Milli-degree").
Such measurements should help ending discussions in logs about the accuracy
of the coordinates provided.
At Geocaching Events one popular games is GeoGolf where participants try to place a marker closest to the "virtual golf hole" which is just given by coordinates. To create such a "golf course" the golf holes' positions of course need to be measured as accurately as possible - using professional equipment like the Trimble GeoXT for such tasks lowers the risk of complaints from participants about the inaccuracy of the coordinates provides as holes.
Another web page for which high resolution measurements are useful is www.geodrift.com. The Geodrift project tries to determine how good/reliable/accurate various GPS receivers perform under real-world conditions. The Geodrift database typically lacks accurate measurements for comparison.
A new GeoXT costs about 4500 Euro. We at CacheZone can occasionally offer used devices with a 50% discount or for rent. Contact us for more details or browse our online store.