Routes

Route creation is a relatively simple process as the GPS does most of the work. All you have to do is feed waypoints into the new route in the order you wish to follow them. A GPS will allow you to insert waypoints directly from your user database into an empty route screen.

When your GPS is navigating in route mode it is basically doing a series of GoTos. It will recognise the next waypoint in the route automatically and navigate from one waypoint to the next. It will also show you on the map page that you are closer to waypoint 2 than 3 for instance - a useful indication of your position within the route. However, the point at which your GPS 'clicks' onto the next waypoint in the route can seem a little random.

The reason for this is that the GPS has an ever varying 'circle of accuracy' and could start navigating you to the next waypoint at any point within that circle. This could either be before or after the actual location of the previous waypoint. In general terms, when the accuracy of the GPS is very high the circle of accuracy will be correspondingly very small. The result should be that the GPS will start navigating to the next waypoint much nearer to the actual position of the preceding waypoint. This principle should be borne in mind when route planning.

GPS Training Tip Always put your starting point as the first waypoint in your route. The GPS will always skip this when navigating and guide you to the second waypoint.

The route function allows you to:

• Create a route
• Edit a route - insert and delete waypoints
• Alter the position of a waypoint in the route
• View the route on the map screen
• Navigate a route
• Calculate the area of a circular route (on some models)
• Reverse a route
• Delete the whole route

A route can be created in one of two ways, either manually or through a Digital Mapping System/ Waypoint.

Management System downloaded via a cable into your GPS in seconds.

GPS Training Tip Never create a circular route using the same waypoint as both the first and last in the route. This can confuse the GPS in thinking it has arrived before it has even started navigating around the route. Use a tight horseshoe shape instead with the final waypoint very close to the first.

• The Basics of Navigation
• GPS Basics
• GPS Facts
• More Help With GPS

• Set Up
• Finding a Signal
• What the Buttons Do
• Basic Functions

• Types of GPS
• Functions and Features
• How to Choose Your GPS

• Marks
• Waypoints
• Tracks
• Routes

• Connecting your GPS to Your Computer
• Mapping Software Explained
• Garmin Topo Mapping
• Digital Mapping Software
• GPS Compatible Routes and Route Sharing