Many people participate in GeoCheckpointing these days. This outdoor activity where participants use a GPS device or a map to find control points called GeoCheckpoints is becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world. If you want to try this activity, this article will explain how to start looking for GeoCheckpoints located near interesting places.
First, you must decide how to find them. There are two ways:
1. Using a map
2. Using a GPS device
Find using a map
After registering on the official GeoCheckpointing website, log in to your user account. Use the “find geocheckpoints” link to display a map. Zoom to the GeoCheckpoint you plan to find. Then change the map view to satellite view. Visit the GeoCheckpoint neighborhood to see some landmarks. You can remember the location of the GeoCheckpoint or print the map and start the search.
Find using a GPS device
Navigate to the map page as described above. Move your mouse over the GeoCheckpoint you want to find to display more information about it. Enter GPS coordinates on your GPS device or use GeoCheckpoint Finder, a GeoCheckpointing navigation for smartphone users. This application allows to enter the GPS coordinates of the target manually, save them and use them later and the trackers can also connect to the server and download the closest GeoCheckpoints.
Now is the time to get outside and search for the GeoCheckpoint. Note that GPS accuracy is not always perfect. It may happen that your GPS unit shows 5 meters from the GeoCheckpoint but is 20 meters from your current position. Don’t be afraid to move around a bit.
When you find it, write down a 3-letter code as proof of your find. If there are a few people in the neighborhood, try not to give away the GeoCheckpoint. Just go through the GeoCheckpoint and remember the code. A few meters later you can write it down.
When you return home, log into your user account again and record your visit using the 3-letter code. You will find this option under the link “register your visit”. When done, look at the map. You will see the GeoCheckpoints registered as smileys.
When you go outside to enjoy GeoCheckpointing, very often you will find new interesting places where there is no GeoCheckpoint yet. It is a good idea to create a new GeoCheckpoint and take it with you. Every time you find that place, you can add a new GeoCheckpoint for others.