WherUgo?

I would be remiss if I didn’t blog about this. The reason I have not mentioned it prior to this is because it’s so freaking cool I can’t quite wrap my brain about it. It should be 10 blog postings, not just one.

I’ve always loved geocaching. This is where you use a GPS to get a specific location, find a ‘treasure box’, and then log it on the site. It’s a great way to get kids outside, get a little exercise for yourself, and be part of a really cool online group.

If there is any downside to geocaching, its the fact that you’re pretty limited in what you can do. You go to one location, you find the object, and report. I’m not saying that’s bad, just limiting.

Well, now the good folks over at groundspeak (the parent organization that brought you geocaching), has a new trick up their sleeve. It’s called wherigo. And it’s freaking mind blowing. The software is still in beta, and the builder in alpha, but for the past month I have been salivating (in my spare time) over the possibilities of this software.

Wherigo gives you the options of zones, virtual objects, tasks, characters, and more. It’s easy to use, and I’ve already created a few simple examples such as a walking tour of Temple Square and the Washington D.C. monuments and memorials. But I’ve also created a little program that could be used playing paintball. It keeps track of how many virtual ‘prisoners’ you’ve rescued. There is much more you could do in that line of thinking. I’m also working on more of a puzzle/exploring type of experience for the American West Heritage Center.

Anyway, I’ve been thinking for years about the notion of tying content to location, and the groundspeak guys come along and create a platform that allows you to do just that. In 2-3 years, when this is the next big thing, remember that you heard it here first.