Geocaching iPhone App v3.0.1 Released
January 8th, 2010 | 
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So, on the train into London yesterday I noticed in my iPhone app store that I had two new updates available - one for an app I never use... and one for the groundspeak Geocaching app (which, I thought, maybe I should use more often).
So with time to kill, I downloaded it and thought I'd put it to the test for my first real attempt at some urban caching if there were any caches along my route.
It downloaded pretty quickly, although reading the changelog that's probably because there was only a slight tweak in usability (for example the app no longer suppresses you ipod - so listening to music while navigating to the cache is possible).
Once downloaded, I opened up and searched for caches along the route I would be taking that day - a little difficult having to flick back and forward between locations and the Google Maps app (although their linked so no need to close and re-load each app)...
Eventually I got a bit frustrated with all this faffing about, so I opened up my laptop and used www.geocaching.com to locate a couple of decent caches which I could get to without deviating from my planned route - one near Angel tube station in Islington and another near hidden-away park by the Arsenal football stadium (added incentive of picking up a trackable here!)
After a bit of searching (and help from the hints) I found both caches, but not without some help from my trusty Garmin Etrex I'm afraid to say...
Having the cache description, hints, photos etc at the push of a button was superb, I found the "Navigate to cache" feature lacked the accuracy of a standard handheld unit... For much of the final search at each location, the iPhone told me I was 63ft away while my Garmin was busy calculating to an accuracy of centimetres.
My verdict overall:
A great way of finding nearby caches if you're out anyway and the urge to find a cache takes you, but I think unless it's a pretty easy spot or a very useful hint, the accuracy of the "Navigate to" will lead to disappointment almost every time... So carry your usual unit just in case!
Functionality: 9/10
Usability: 4/10
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Posted in Geocaching Equipment, Technology | 
Tags: geocache, geocacher, geocaching, Geocahcing Technology, Geocoin, iPhone, Trackables
2 Responses to “Geocaching iPhone App v3.0.1 Released”
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I find the response time of the iPhone to be significantly slower than my 60CSx; however, I would say that I am successful in finding the cache with my iPhone at least 75% of the time. Breaking out the 60CSx adds another 15%; the rest of the time I don’t find the cache or give up on it.
A friend has found well over 1,000 caches using only a Boost phone with the Trimble application. I think she has better eyes than me.
Russ, I started off geocaching with only the iPhone. The thing it’s great at doing is knowing where the location of nearby geocaches, no matter where you are. If the cache is out in the open, iPhone can get you to the spot pretty easily, and as you find more and more caches, you learn to spot the likely hiding place.
Where iPhone has trouble is finding caches hidden in wooded areas. If there is canopy above you, iPhone has a difficult time updating its fix. A gearhead friend of mine says that’s because iPhone only has receivers for four GPS satellites. Normally that’s enough to get a good fix, but when you go under canopy and can no longer see one or more of those four, then you don’t get updates on your progress. You have the same signal blockage problem in urban environments where there are lots of tall buildings.
By contrast, the Garmin 60 CSx I added over Christmas receives signals from 12 satellites, and can suffer the loss of more signals and still keep you updated fairly well. The disadvantage of the Garmin is that you have to know where you’re going and load coordinates for caches in the area before you leave. Otherwise, you can use iPhone to look up coordinates and type them into the Garmin using a fairly clumsy interface.
I like both the iPhone and the Garmin. I recognize the strengths and weaknesses of both. Using them both together, I’m a geocaching machine!!
Elaine
aka strawberrycreek