AR_Caches - New cache type from Groundspeak

Feb 10, 2020

AR_Caches - a new type of cache on the market. First to test. AR_Caches stands for Augmented Reality Caches, which means something like augmented reality.

News from the scene! A new cache type is here! At least as a test...

We were already allowed to play an AR_Cache in Ljubljana/Slovenia in June (the starting month of this cache type) and would like to tell you a little bit about our experiences with this article.

What are AR_Caches?

A new cache type can be submitted between June 6th and September 6th, 2018. These are mystery caches, which are also listed as question marks. An app is required to find the cache, a so-called augmented reality app. Similar to a Where-I-Go, the game is played via this app. Just like with WIG, you go into zones created by the owner and have to fulfill a task there.

The final consists of a can with a log book and the final must be within a 3.2 km radius of the specified coordinates. GPS usage is a mandatory part. This is considered fulfilled when the players have to navigate to GPS coordinates (certainly often at the end of the game on the way to the final). The AR_Cache is a location-dependent cache that can only be played at a specific location (no anywhere cache). Virtual and/or physical stations are allowed as waypoints. All AR waypoints must be outdoors. No photo with a face may be required as a log condition.

What does the listing look like?

Cache type: set as Mystery because you need the app

Cache name: the following format is specified: AR_

The AR_Cache I played first in Ljubljana/Slovenia is called AR_Sprehod s Signalom

If you are a premium member of Groundspeak, you can use the search function to search for these caches by entering "AR_" in the cache name.

The cache description must contain the name of the app with which the cache is to be played. Links, but no logos, to the app stores for Android or iOS are allowed.

The following text is to be inserted in English, another regional language is possible:

„This cache is part of an experiment that allows the use of Augmented Reality (AR) apps to find the cache. At the end of this experiment, Geocaching HQ will decide if this cache will be grandfathered or archived. Geocaching HQ reserves the right to archive this cache at any time if conditions change. If you have found this cache and would like to give feedback on your experience, please fill out this survey.“

“This cache is part of an experiment that allows the use of Augmented Reality (AR) apps to find the cache. At the end of this experiment, Geocaching HQ will decide if this cache will be grandfathered or archived. Geocaching HQ reserves the right to archive this cache at any time if conditions change. If you have found this cache and would like to give feedback on your experience, please https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefspIjWRGxZfk04CKrgiGbxhHrtl3TAOgxsK5-dFClYpUnqw/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">fill out this survey.”

Which App?

To play an AR_Cache you need an app on your smartphone. Owners of such a cache must ensure that the app used is available on both the Android and the iPhone. This means that the cache must be playable with both types of smartphones. A variant of the game with the GPS device is not possible. The app must be available free of charge and it must also be possible to create your own account free of charge. However, you have to register in each app. And of course it must be possible to upload your own AR overlay, otherwise no owner could make this available to the cachers via the cache listing.

So far, I'm aware of three of these apps: HP Reveal, Metaverse, and TaleBlazer.

Immediately after the info mail from Groundspeak about this new cache type, I downloaded the Metaverse app to my cell phone and took a first look. My first AR_Cache was now also played via Metaverse.

How do you play such a cache?

First you have to download the corresponding app to your smartphone. The owner specifies which app exactly in the listing.

Then you start the app and look for the appropriate cache. This is done either via the owner name or via a QR code that is scanned.

At the start of the game you see a playing field, possibly with several stations.

When you arrive at the station, you wave your smartphone and find a picture. A question may be asked here that must be answered on site. Then it's on to the next zone. If the last task is fulfilled, you get final cords. Because the use of GPS is also a requirement for this type of cache.

As is so often the case, you look for a can at the final itself. A physical box with a log book is provided here.

Since AR is a new technology, things may not always work smoothly. If problems occur the player can save and start again.

How do you create such a cache?

Anyone can create and publish one or more AR_Caches during the period mentioned. You are not limited to specific people.

If you want to work with the Metaverse app, you can find it at https://studio.gometa.io a kit to create such a cache. A small video (albeit in English) provides a good introduction to the subject for any interested viewer. Once you have created the adventure in the builder, you can link it to a QR code in the listing and submit the cache for review in the usual way. Groundspeak asks to work closely with the reviewer. This type of cache is new for everyone and so it can sometimes take a little longer until the cache is activated.

Feedback to Groundspeak

Anyone who plays such a cache is cordially invited to give feedback to Groundspeak: LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefspIjWRGxZfk04CKrgiGbxhHrtl3TAOgxsK5-dFClYpUnqw/viewform

So we cachers can give some feedback on what we think of this new type of cache and make a small contribution to the further development of our hobby. I hope many will make use of it. You are also welcome to leave comments here, tell us about your experiences with this type of cache in the coming weeks and months!

What's next?

Groundspeak itself writes: All caches published as part of this experiment can be archived by GC HQ at a later date. This means that at the end of the trial period, Groundspeak will decide whether the published caches will persist, be archived, or undergo some other update.

If you want to know the latest and want to find out more, you can read on here: https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=922 More information will surely follow here.

Obviously - similar to the souvenirs - it's also about increasing the cache frequency, winning more cachers and setting a new attraction. You can be curious!