How Geocaching Became a Global GPS Treasure Hunt over 25 Years

image via New Scientist

September 18, 2025, 10:30 AM

• •Geocaching involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers.
• •The hobby began after the removal of 'selective availability' in GPS.
• •Geocaching has evolved with smartphones and expanded adventures.
• •Geocaching has over 3.4 million geocaches worldwide.
• •Geocachers also do good works like reporting survey markers to NOAA and helping lost hikers.

Geocaching, the hobby of using GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called geocaches, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This global game has millions of players who use GPS technology and smartphones to discover hidden objects. The hobby started shortly after the removal of the intentional GPS error known as 'selective availability' in 2000. As GPS and smartphone technology continues to evolve, geocaching is expanding with new adventures and challenges for enthusiasts worldwide.

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