How to Plan a Route Using GPS
GPS, or global positioning systems, were once an oddity that only a few could afford. However, as the technology has become more affordable, many people now own and have access to portable and installed GPS units. Many of these units make it possible to let the unit itself determine your route and also give you the flexibility to predetermine the route you would like to take.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Start the desired or recommended mapping software on your computer. Many GPS units utilize MapSource or other available mapping software.
-
2
Choose your waypoints, or points of interest, utilizing the mapping software. You should have the flexibility to locate points of interest and mark a waypoint that should essentially translate to a road on the map.
-
-
3
Double-check your desired route, taking into consideration types of roads and other considerations that may greatly affect your overall trip--including the amount of time spent on the road.
-
4
Upload the route to your GPS unit. This will be accomplished by either a direct link through a cable from your computer to the unit or by means of loading the information onto a SD card and then loading this into the unit.
-
5
Turn on your GPS once the downloaded information is complete to ensure the desired route is showing on the GPS unit. If there are discrepancies, this is the time to make corrections to the overall route.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Once you have downloaded the new custom route into the GPS unit, you will have the benefit of the same features found in your unit when it is allowed to choose the route. Such trip interruptions as detours will be handled in the same manner as when the unit plots your route, and you will be brought back to your preplanned route.
Always double-check your custom route to ensure the type and quality of road to be traveled given the time of day. From avoiding rush hour to finding yourself in the middle of a deserted stretch of road at night with no gas, take your time and consider your options from a variety of points.
