FAQ

Q: How do I know where to go?

A: Scroll and click on the Coordinate Calculator to find today's coordinates that are most accessible to you.

Q: How close to do you need to get for success?

A: This seems to be a grey area. The No Batteries method would allow positional errors dependent on the maps or instruments used. GPS receivers might get you to within 3 or 4 metres. A common method used is "within the error circle of my GPS", so if your GPS accuracy is 3m, having a "distance to point" of 2m would be considered "there". If 50 people turn up, are they all at the hashpoint? As it's called a meetup, perhaps success should be defined in terms of whether you would actually meet someone else at the hashpoint. You'd need to be within hailing distance.

Q: In the example comic, what does the "md5" arrow indicate?

A: The MD5 arrow indicates the process of feeding the date and dow jones opening value through the MD5 algorithm to create the hash-string. See The_Algorithm for more descriptive information of the mechanics of the geohashing algorithm.

Q: How do I find the coordinates?

A: You will need a GPS receiver or another way to locate coordinates. iPhone users can download the application from the iTunes store. There is also an application in the Android Market for Android phone users. Also see the expedition page. GPS users should be aware that all coordinates refer to the WGS84 datum

Q: Are there any geohashers in my area?

A: Find the page for your graticule and see if there are other geohashers or recent expeditions listed.

• Even if you're the only one in your area, keep geohashing. Bring your friends. People love to read your adventures and someone may come to visit you.

Q: How do I find out if anyone else is going or let people know I'm planning on attending?

A: See How to arrange meetups.

Q: What should I bring?

A: See What to bring.

Q: I don't have a car, how am I supposed to participate in this sport?

A: Some of the most avid geohashers don't use cars. Geohashing is suitable for bicycles, public transport, cross-country skis or other means.

Q: Is it okay to visit a geohash location in a neighbouring graticule instead of my “own” one?

A: Sure! There’s no rule saying you can't visit other graticules, and in some cases (for example, San Francisco), you would almost have to in order to actually access a hashpoint. Geohashing is about meeting other people, and it doesn't matter whether you do that here or there. In fact, finding a new mix of people might be a good thing. Go ahead and geohash on vacation for all we care!

Q: What do I do when I get there?

A: Poke around, take pictures, talk to people, play games, have a picnic, leave a non-permanent mark of your presence and, in general, have fun! The world is an adventure!

Q: What do I say to puzzled locals?

A: See Cover Stories.

Q: How will Geohashing get me laid?

A: You never know who you might find when you show up next Saturday.

Q: I made it! Can I put my picture on the Main Page?

A: Yes, we'd be delighted to have you do that, but please write an expedition report first.

Q: I couldn't reach the point, or if I did, there was no one there.

A You still had an adventure! Please write an expedition report for everyone to read.

Q: Is there a Facebook group for my area?

A: Take a look at the Facebook groups page.

Q: What if I can't access the exact location, but still think others nearby are trying to meet up?

A: See Radio Communications.

Q: Is there any way to automatically be notified of hashpoints which land in a specific area?

A: Sign up for the e-mail notification service.

Q: How do I answer the people who leave messages on my talk page? On their page or on mine?

A: Reply on the same page where the message was left. When you leave a message on someone else's talk page, select "Watch this page" and you will get e-mail (assuming you told the wiki your e-mail address) when there is a reply. You can always unwatch later.

Q: What do I do if the hash point is in the middle of one of the Great Lakes and I don't own a boat?

A: Bribe someone who has a boat, or buy a boat. Alternatively, arrange an alternate on the shore and meet up with people and have an adventure anyway!