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Virtual caches

This page is for players and hiders. It explains the virtual cache: a place worth a visit, with no container to find.

What it is

A virtual cache is a place: a viewpoint, a monument, a historic radio site. There is nothing hidden there. You go, look around, and log your visit.

How you find it

  1. Open the cache and read the description. It says what to look for at the place.
  2. Tap Navigate to take the coordinates to your maps app.
  3. At the place, look for what the description asks about.
  4. Log the find while you are there. Use Add a note to say what you saw.

What "found" means

You were at the pin when you logged. The game checks your position against the pin, within 150 m plus your phone's accuracy. Nothing checks the answer to a question in the description.

How it is logged and verified

Log it like any cache: ✓ Log a find, Couldn't find it or Add a note, in the app or from your radio. A find can reach Radio-verified, Location-verified or Logged. See Traditional caches for the rules.

With no container and no paper log, the tier is the only proof of your visit. Allow location access when you log, or beacon your position before you log.

What a hider sets

Hide the cache as usual and pick Virtual under Type. See Traditional caches for the fields.

Put the pin where a finder should stand, not at a far landmark: a find is checked within 150 m of the pin. Use Description to say what to look at, and photos under Media to show the place.

Example

AC-1234 · The old transmitter hall · Virtual · Difficulty 1.0 · Terrain 1.5 · grid JN76xx. The description asks how many masts stand behind the hall. OE8APR-7 walks to the gate, counts them, logs the find with a note, and gets Location-verified.

Tips

  • Respect the place: stay on paths, and keep quiet at memorials.
  • Log on the spot. A find logged later from home is only Logged.

Map marker

A pin in blue with an open diamond (◇). The Phosphor theme shows an open circle (○).

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