Hi Tim,

Thanks for that advice and I will keep you and the list updated on the progress in planning for the event.

Yes, I thought about deliberate vandalism of QR codes which could scupper things. I had thought that when we use guides, they should always have a set of codes in their pocket. But for all others treasure hunters daily maintenance will be key, great suggestion.

Also like the build up to a set of co-ordinates idea. This could be to a physical prize or a final gathering/event in an exciting location (dinner on the Discovery in Dundee docks - I think it seats 13, comes to mind) or with a big star.

I was a big fan of the band Embrace and they use to do Secret Gigs, with loads of inventive ways to string out the location. It was a fantastic way to engage the fan base. Now if only we could offer dinner with Brian Cox!

Best wishes,

Jon

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>>> Tim Reynolds <[log in to unmask]> 14/04/2011 17:03 >>>
Hi Jon et al

I would also be very interested to hear how your project goes and what feedback/ tips you get.

I have done a little (a very little) bit of geocaching - so my only advice would be never understimate the ability of the weather to get into alledgedly waterproof enclosures. Also don't underestimate the level of deliberate and/ or acidental interference from 'muggles' (or even contestants) to move and/or bin your hidden QR codes or clues etc. You will probably need to maintain/ check the 'caches' on a daily basis or more often depending on where they are located.

I like multi cache trails that build up a set of coordinates for a 'final' location - I also like the idea of the final location containing a physical prize - something small like a pin badge etc.
And a competitive element would also help I think - perhaps 'time to complete' as I guess contestants could log their position and time for each QR cache?

Anyway good luck and hope you can tell us how it all went.

Best regards

Tim

> Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:53:41 +0100
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [PSCI-COM] GPS, QR codes and treasure hunts
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Hi All,
>
> I'm planning an activity that uses QR codes located around a city that can be located with GPS. The idea is that this event will run during a science festival and will be open to all for a fortnight. The QR codes will be located close to science-related landmarks and once scanned would send people more information on the landmark, to related websites and ask them an open question (to discuss in their small group) with a link to closely related science festival events.
>
> We also hope to provide a limited number of devices with GPS and QR code software for schools and other groups.
>
> I'm really excited by the possibilities and I would like to hear the experiences of anyone who has run similar projects.
>
> Questions I have are:
>
> What national or online resources would reach a wide public audience, who may already have an interest in geocaching or QR codes?
>
> Does hiding physical objects (a treasure hunt) get a better response than QR codes alone?
>
> Should we introduce a competitive element e.g. first to complete and prizes?
>
> Has anyone hidden objects that can then be used as tools to complete a task at a final gathering? The more items you collect the easier the end task becomes.
>
> Cheers,
> Jon
>
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