This topic contains 12 replies, has 10 voices, and was last updated by 
Averith 14 years, 5 months ago.
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I was thinking about useing a Ipod touch so I could go geocaching. Will it work for that and to go paperless too. Is there anything I need to know about useing it for this before I get one.
I use an iPod Touch with the Geosphere app (not the Groundspeak app) and it works awesome. I have a basic Garmin eTrex and the combo works perfect. The iPod is also versatile for so much more. The only downside to more expensive GPSr’s that include a paperless option is the need to carry 2 devices (iPod / GPS).
Codejunkie’s post could have been written by us. We use the exact same gear and love it.
I second the Geosphere on the iPod Touch. I have it and LOVE it!!
We also use Geosphere and our Garmin 60 Csx, in addition to GSAK. Gotta love the GSAK!
As an amateur naturalist, what I love in addition to what others have said about geosphere (which is quite cool), is that I have some apps for bird and butterfly id. The bird one even includes the audio files of calls. I have learned to warn Trekkin’ when I start one of those, though. So many times we’ll be out looking for caches and some critter catches my eye or ear. It’s nice to be able to narrow it down right in the field.
Also the geosphere does show attributes, which can be helpful at times. I know I’m supposed to be able to get those to show on my Oregon, but i have never been able to accomplish that.
And I just downloaded a nice free app from Whole Foods. So now I can plan what to pick up for dinner after a day of caching based on the recipes in there. LOL
Ooh, that is so cool! I hadn’t even thought about that. We aren’t really into identification, just a mild interest. But an app would make that so handy. On our vacation we were carrying around a flower identification book and we were wishing we had one for birds. Interesting, I’ll have to see if I can get an app like that for my phone.
Not all who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Becca, iBirdPro is available for the iPhone, I know. That’s the one I have. It is a more expensive app, but I got it half price for $15 and they’ve sent a couple of really nice updates for my not so inner bird geek!
I have been looking for a good wildflower and tree one, but the ones I’ve found have not been well reviewed.
So is the geosphere app more for an iPod Touch and the groundspeak app more for the iPhone?
@hack1of2 wrote:
So is the geosphere app more for an iPod Touch and the groundspeak app more for the iPhone?
Both apps work on both from my understanding. The difference is really in functions / features. The Groundspeak app is a vendor supplied app and when I did my research it just didn’t have the features that Geosphere had. I use Geosphere as my own personal little GC.com when I’m out and about. I group the caches by various categories (city, solved puzzles, my caches, etc.) That way I’m ready for a quick couple while traveling through some other area, all my puzzle notes are with me, and when someone does the PACO I have all the data for my own caches handy.
Also keep in mind the iPod Touch and iPhone are similar but very different from a technology standpoint. The iPhone can use the “phone” portion to get updates outside of WiFi coverage. The iPod Touch is limited to a WiFi connection for updates although it does use radio triangulation in the field which is so-so accurate depending on where you are.
We were going to try out our Ipod touch just to see how it works for caching. We normally use our Garmin Oregon or my Android phone. My phone has the ability to turn itself into a wi-fi hotspot, so our iTouch can tether to it for connection to the internet as long as its 150 feet or closer to the phone. My question is, to use the iTouch for caching, and using say the Groundspeak app, do you have to be connected to wi-fi to be able to use it for hunting caches? Or can you just use it on wi-fi to connect to the app, download or save caches and then go after them even if offline? I wondered how an iTouch would be for naivgating to a cache in a compass mode if it didnt have a wi-fi connection. Does this make sense or am I rambling? thanks. 🙂
@goirish75 wrote:
We were going to try out our Ipod touch just to see how it works for caching. We normally use our Garmin Oregon or my Android phone. My phone has the ability to turn itself into a wi-fi hotspot, so our iTouch can tether to it for connection to the internet as long as its 150 feet or closer to the phone. My question is, to use the iTouch for caching, and using say the Groundspeak app, do you have to be connected to wi-fi to be able to use it for hunting caches? Or can you just use it on wi-fi to connect to the app, download or save caches and then go after them even if offline? I wondered how an iTouch would be for naivgating to a cache in a compass mode if it didnt have a wi-fi connection. Does this make sense or am I rambling? thanks. 🙂
Navigating to a cache with the iPod Touch is a bit challenging. I’ve never tried it in a “tethered” Wi-Fi mode, but have used it for some obvious P&G caches. For the P&G caches it worked OK as long as you had the general idea of what you were after. I’ve never used the Groundspeak app, but Geosphere is great as a repository for cache data. It supports grouping of caches, attributes, additional WP’s, field notes (uploaded directly to GC.com), cached maps (when not connected to wi-fi), etc. I use the iPod as my “paper” and my Garmin as the GPS and it makes a great pair in the field.
The iPod is also great for a “picture library” to share photos at events, caching adventures, coffee shops, etc.
As a side note if you want to protect your Ipod Touch while out caching might I suggest “Otter Box”, I found one at Walmart on clearance (I have 2nd generation Ipod Touch) and I absolutely love it. It completely encases the Ipod including the screen and is very very sturdy.
I know they make them for other small hand held electronics as well. I’m looking into getting one for my Nokia E71 phone.
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