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Coordinates for Geocachers

Geocaching.com uses DDM format (N 47° 36.374 W 122° 19.926) for all cache listings.

Geocaching relies entirely on precise coordinate navigation. Understanding the DDM format used by Geocaching.com, how to enter waypoints on your GPS, and how to solve coordinate-based puzzle caches is core to the hobby.

The Geocaching Coordinate Format

Geocaching.com displays all cache coordinates in DDM format: N 47° 36.374 W 122° 19.926. The "N/S" and "E/W" letters always appear before the coordinate. The degree symbol separates degrees from decimal minutes. This is the same DDM format Garmin GPSes use by default.

Entering Cache Coordinates in Your GPS

Most geocachers use a Garmin eTrex or similar device. If your GPS is in DDM mode (default), enter the coordinate directly from the Geocaching.com listing. If your GPS is in a different mode, use this converter to change format first. The c:geo and Geocaching Toolkit apps also do this automatically.

Coordinate Projection for Puzzle Caches

Multi-caches and puzzle caches sometimes require you to project a coordinate: starting from a given point, travel a certain bearing for a certain distance to find the next waypoint. Most geocaching GPS apps have a "Project Waypoint" feature. The math: new_lat = lat + (distance × cos(bearing)) / 111320, with a similar formula for longitude adjusted for cos(lat).

Converting Hint Coordinates in Puzzle Caches

Some puzzle caches encrypt coordinates by converting to UTM, Geohash, or a custom cipher. When you solve the puzzle and get a value in a non-standard format, use this converter to decode it back to DDM for your GPS.

Coordinate Converter

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