19. Geocaching with the nüvi 500

Geocaching is a GPS assisted treasure hunt where "Geocachers" seek hidden treasure, or "caches" using GPS coordinates posted on the Internet. Geocaching is growing in popularity, and a fantastic way to discover new places and enjoy the outdoors. A more extensive explanation of Geocaching, and how to get started can be found on Geocaching.com's FAQ page, but the short version is:

1. Go to www.geocaching.com
2. Register for a free basic membership
3. Search for a geocache. The nüvi 500 accepts .GPX files
4. Use a USB cable (you'll have to buy one, or use a spare you've got lying around from a digital camera) to connect the nüvi 500 to your computer
5. Click Send to GPS. Follow the on-screen instructions

The nüvi 500 can be used for Geocaching, and supports a number of Geocaching-specific features.

Figure 89: Garmin Communicator Plugin Download

You can download Geocaching.com cache files manually and transfer them to the nüvi, but a far easier solution is to download and install Garmin's Communicator Plugin. The plugin is free, works on the PC or MAC, and is compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.

Figure 90: Begin the Installer Program

Accept the License Agreement and click Next to begin installing Garmin's Communicator Plugin.

Figure 91: Installation Complete

The installer completes in minute or two. Click Done to close the installer.

Figure 92: Communicator Test Page

After the installer completes, the Communicator Test Page appears and verifies that the plugin installed correctly.

Figure 93: Geocaching.com Listings

Head over to Geocaching.com and register for a free account if you don't already have one. Then search for Geocaches, place a check mark next to the cache(s) you want to transfer to the nüvi 500. Then click on the Send to GPS icon, shown above in figure 93.

Figure 94: Allow Access to the Plugin

Depending on your operating system and browser, you may be prompted to allow the Garmin Communicator Plugin to access your browser. Click Yes to continue.

Figure 95: Send to GPS

Click Write in the Communicator window to transfer the selected cache(s) to the nüvi 500.

Figure 96: Transfer Successful

The Communicator Plugin displays a confirmation message that the Geocache .gpx file was successfully transferred to the nüvi 500.

Figure 97: Selecting Geocaches As The Destination Type

Disconnect the nüvi 500 from your computer, and tap Where To? > Geocaches.

Figure 98: Geocache Listings

Select a Geocache from the list of Geocaches. Geocaches are listed in order of closeness to your current position.

Figure 99: Geocache Preview Screen

Tapping on a Geocache brings up the preview screen, shown above. From here, you can begin navigating to the Geocache by touching the green Go! button, view the cache on the map by tapping Map, save the cache to the address book by tapping Save, or view more detailed information about the cache by tapping More.

Figure 100: Geocache More Information Screen 1

Tapping More on the previous screen bring up the menu shown above. This screen allows you to set the Geocache's found status, view a more detailed description of the cache, or view the hints for the cache.

Figure 101: Geocache More Information Screen 2

You can also view logs, or add a comment for the cache.

Figure 102: Viewing A Geocache's Detailed Information

Tapping View Description displays more detailed information about the cache, including the difficulty and terrain rating, and a text overview of the cache site.

Figure 103: Map Screen While Navigating To A Geocache

When navigating to a cache on foot, the Geocache icon appears in the lower right area of the screen. Tapping the treasure chest icon brings up the Found Status screen, shown below.

Figure 104: Found Status

The nüvi 500 lets you mark Found Status as Unattempted (default), Did Not Find, or Found. These are the same status conditions used on Geocaching.com, and will be familiar to anyone who Geocaches.

Figure 105: Compass Screen

When trying to find a cache, it can be very useful to use the compass to zero in on the cache's location. I know many geocachers who use the compass exclusively to find their caches.

The red arrow indicates the direction of travel, and the Bug indicator marks the direction of the destination.

Figure 106: Main Menu, Walking Mode

When using the nüvi 500 in Walking mode, a compass icon appears on the Main Menu, as shown above. This makes it easier to toggle between the map and compass screens.

Figure 107: Topographic Maps

The nüvi 500 is preloaded with topographic maps of the United States. When using the GPS outdoors, the topographic maps provide insight into the elevation and terrain of the area.