Finding Your First Spot

Finding Your First Spot

Ready to start your treasure hunting adventure? This guide will walk you through finding and documenting your very first spot in Michigan Spots.

Choosing Your First Spot

Start Easy

For your first spot, choose something:

• Close to home - Within 15-30 minutes of your location
• Easy difficulty - Look for spots marked with 1-2 stars
• Well-documented - Spots with clear photos and descriptions
• Accessible - No special equipment or hiking required

Using the Map

1. Open the Michigan Spots app
2. Tap the Map tab at the bottom
3. Look for treasure chest icons 🏴‍☠️ near your location
4. Tap on a spot to see its details
5. Choose one that looks interesting and achievable

Getting AI Help

Ask your AI assistant:

• “Recommend an easy first spot near me”
• “What’s a good beginner spot in [your city]?”
• “Show me spots perfect for new players”

Understanding Spot Information

Spot Details Page

Each spot includes:

• Photos: Multiple images showing what to look for
• Description: Detailed information about the location
• Difficulty: Star rating from 1 (easy) to 5 (expert)
• Points: How many points you’ll earn
• Tags: Categories like “historic,” “nature,” “urban”
• Hints: Clues to help you find the exact location

Reading the Description

Look for key information:

• Specific landmarks mentioned in the text
• Directional clues like “north side” or “behind the building”
• Visual markers described in detail
• Historical context that might help identify the spot

Planning Your Visit

Check the Details

Before heading out:

• Verify hours if it’s at a business or park
• Check accessibility for parking and walking requirements
• Note any restrictions mentioned in the description
• Consider timing - some spots are better at certain times of day

What to Bring

• Smartphone with the Michigan Spots app
• Portable charger to keep your phone powered
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Water bottle if you’ll be out for a while
• Camera (though your phone camera works great)

At the Location

Finding the Exact Spot

1. Use GPS to get to the general area
2. Read the description carefully once you arrive
3. Look for landmarks mentioned in the spot details
4. Compare with photos provided in the app
5. Ask the AI for hints if you’re stuck

Taking Your Photo

Photo Requirements

Your photo must:

• Clearly show you’re at the correct location
• Include identifiable features from the spot description
• Be taken from roughly the same angle as the example photos
• Have good lighting and image quality

Photography Tips

• Get the right angle: Match the perspective shown in example photos
• Include context: Show surrounding landmarks or features
• Good lighting: Avoid harsh shadows or overexposure
• Sharp focus: Make sure the image isn’t blurry
• Fill the frame: Get close enough to show important details

Submitting Your Discovery

In the App

1. Tap “I’m Here” on the spot page
2. Take your photo using the in-app camera
3. Review your photo to make sure it’s clear
4. Add an optional caption or comment
5. Tap “Submit” to claim your points

Verification Process

• Your photo will be reviewed (usually within a few hours)
• You’ll get a notification when it’s approved
• Points will be added to your account
• The spot will appear in your “Discovered” list

After Your First Spot

Celebrate Your Success!

• Check your points total
• See if you earned any badges
• Share your discovery on social media
• Tell friends about your experience

What’s Next?

• Try another easy spot to build confidence
• Join a weekly challenge for bonus points
• Explore different types of spots (historic, nature, urban)
• Follow other players to see their discoveries

Building Your Skills

As you get more comfortable:

• Try spots with higher difficulty ratings
• Venture to new cities and regions
• Participate in themed challenges
• Help other new players get started

Common First-Time Mistakes

Location Issues

❌ Not reading the description carefully ✅ Pay attention to specific details and landmarks

❌ Giving up too quickly ✅ Use AI hints and take time to explore the area

❌ Wrong GPS coordinates ✅ Double-check you’re in the right general area

Photo Problems

❌ Photos that don’t match the description ✅ Include the specific features mentioned in the spot details

❌ Poor image quality ✅ Make sure photos are clear, well-lit, and in focus

❌ Wrong angle or perspective ✅ Try to match the viewpoint shown in example photos

Getting Help

If You’re Stuck

• Ask the AI: “Give me a hint about this spot”
• Check the photos: Look for clues in the example images
• Read comments: Other players sometimes leave helpful tips
• Take a break: Sometimes a fresh perspective helps

If Your Photo is Rejected

• Read the feedback provided with the rejection
• Compare with example photos to see what you missed
• Try a different angle or time of day
• Ask for specific help from the AI or community

Community Support

• r/michiganspots: Ask questions and get advice from other players
• In-app chat: Connect with nearby players
• Support team: Contact us if you’re having technical issues

Making It Fun

Bring Friends

• Invite friends to join you on spot hunts
• Make it a social activity or date idea
• Compete to see who can find spots faster
• Share the excitement of discovery

Document Your Journey

• Take extra photos for your personal collection
• Keep notes about interesting spots you discover
• Share stories about your adventures
• Create a photo album of your Michigan explorations

Set Goals

• Aim to find one spot per week
• Try to visit spots in different cities
• Work toward specific badges
• Challenge yourself with harder spots over time

Ready to find your first spot? Open the Michigan Spots app, pick an easy location near you, and start your treasure hunting adventure!