How to Use a Garmin Hand-held GPS

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

Hand-held GPS units have radically changed outdoor navigation. A Garmin hand-held GPS unit will allow you to arrive within a few feet of your destination, day or night. If you are lost, you can pinpoint your location or follow a "breadcrumb" trail back to where you started. Though it sounds complicated, Garmin has made its units easy to use, even for the beginner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Garmin hand-held GPS unit
Garmin hand-held GPS unit

Step 1

Garmin Emap unit

Turn on the unit by pressing the "Power" button on the left-hand side. Wait for the unit to power up. Press the "Menu" button twice and scroll down to the "GPS Info" page. Press "Enter" and observe the satellite information page. When the satellites have been acquired, the unit is ready for use.

Step 2

Press "Escape" twice to return to the "Navigation" page. The black triangle in the middle of the screen shows your current location. Start walking and you will notice black dots on the screen showing your path. This "breadcrumb" trail will allow you to backtrack along the path you just traveled. As long as your GPS was on when you left, you can always return to where you started using the "breadcrumbs."

Step 3

Navigate to a selected waypoint by pressing the "Find" button, then choosing the "Waypoints" option. Scroll down and press "Enter" when you find your destination. From the "Waypoint" screen choose the "Go To" option. Navigate to the selected waypoint by following the on-screen directions. Distance and time to your destination are also shown on this screen.

Step 4

Determine your exact location in latitude and longitude by pressing "Menu" twice. Choose the "GPS Info" page by pressing "Enter." The first box at the top of the screen shows the latitude and longitude for your current location.

Tips & Warnings

Always carry extra batteries. Always carry a map and a compass in case the GPS fails.

Always carry extra batteries.

Always carry a map and a compass in case the GPS fails.

Resources

Garmin GPS Website

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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