Explore Your GPS Unit

. . .by Jacob Mundt

This exercise is designed to ensure that a user has a working understanding of a handheld GPS unit. Steps in this exercise include turning the unit on/off, navigating through the system menus, and understanding the different screens on your GPS. This exercise was designed around a Garmin Vista.

If you are not using this type of unit then the following may not be exactly the same for you, however it should be fundamentally similar. Use the directions that come with your personal GPS unit to complete this part of the exercise if needed.

The graphic on the left is a description of what the different Garmin Vista buttons do. Please familiarize yourself with this graphic or your personal unit. Click on the image for a larger and more descriptive view.

Turn the unit on by pressing and holding the POWER button (you must be outdoors in a clear area for this to work properly). The GPS will default to the Satellite screen after a copyright screen and a warning message. The first time the GPS unit is turned on it may take 5 minutes to establish a position. You can navigate back and fourth between different screens using the 'PAGE' and 'QUIT' buttons. An illustration of the different screens is shown in the graphic below.

The satellite screen shows the position and name of satellites currently being tracked (and relative satellite signal strength).

The map screen shows you a map of where you are with respect to other mapped features. Your unit may or may not have anything in map view when you first turn on your instrument. If you have zoom keys (in/out) you can use them here to change the scale of your map.

The navigation page displays your current position in selected coordinates, as well as your speed and direction, elevation, and the current time.

The altimeter page tells you your speed and direction. You can use the compass screen to direct you back to a previously marked point (illustrated at the top of the graphic).

The trip computer shows speed,

The main menu is where you go to mark and manage waypoints and routes, and to make changes in the configuration of your GPS (such as change the language or coordinate system).

More details on how to collect data will take place in the next exercise. For more information on your GPS unit, you can click here to select your model and then select manual. Acrobat reader is usually required to read these manuals.