GPS Practical Basics

How to get started using the Garmin eTrex

Basic Description

Make sure you know the name of each button!

Side Buttons

Side Buttons

Selecting a Page

Skyview Page

This page tells you navigation data, in particular what the accuracy is at the current time (outside only!)

Advanced Skyview will show all of the satellites overhead, and how strong each signal is.

Map Page

• The Map page shows the track that you have been following, and any waypoints that you have entered. (Camp is shown on this page as a waypoint)

Pointer Page

• Pointer shows the direction you are currently travelling (only when you are moving).

• Most important for us is the latitude, and longitude.

Latitude and Longitude

• Since we are in the northern, and western hemispheres, our cartesian co-ordinates are shown with N and W.

Equator

Prime Meridian

N

W

Latitude

Longitude

Trip Computer Page

This page shows how far (trip odometer) etc, you have been travelling since you last reset the GPS. Test to see how fast you normally walk.

(Mr. O’Connor has been known to hit 2 km/h!)

Menu Page

• This page allows you to create waypoints, or view your waypoints alphabetically by name.

It also has a clock, so don’t be late for the bus!

Waypoints

• A waypoint creates an electronic signpost in your GPS. You should give your waypoint a relevant name, so you can return to it, or find the Long/Lat data later.

• eg. Candystore in Pt. Dalhousie

(funny, that is the best place to find Mr. O’Connor!)

Press and hold your enter button, or keep clicking the page button until you hit the menu screen to mark a waypoint.

Marking a Waypoint

Use the page up button to scroll to the name field. Click enter.

Put a name in (just like a text message. When you are done press enter.

Note the Lat/Long data for your point is shown at the bottom (write it down as you go, you will not have time at the end of the day!)

Before you begin…

Before you begin…

• Please DO NOT SWING the GPS by the lanyard… the plastic will break, and launch the eTrex…..also you just bought a $110.00 paperweight.

• Meet at the front of the school by the flagpole with your worksheet to hear further instructions.

Before you begin…

Don’t Forget

• There is a clock on your GPS, so please

Be back in class on time..!