How to Use the Garmin Track Log

Global Positioning System devices help users find and remember important locations.

The Garmin track log enables users to retrace their steps, to arrive back at a particular point of interest. The Garmin is convenient to carry on outdoor hiking ventures, as it only weighs 8 ounces. All Garmin portable devices keep track logs, and the newer ones can save up to 2000 points of interest. They use Etrex and Emap to save logs as well, to help hikers backtrack to a point of origin, and all logs include altitude, latitude and longitude for the user's convenience. Using the track log feature on a Garmin is simple.

Instructions

1. Press and hold the red power key on the left side. A noise will sound when it starts. Follow up by pressing the "Page" button, located on the upper right side. To create a route of your choice press the "Menu" button twice to return to the main menu, then use the directional keys to select your route option.  

2. Click "New" to create a new route, which will open a blank page. Push "Menu" on the empty page and use the on-screen options to enable waypoints on the desired route. Select the "Use Map" option to show a map containing a virtual pointer, which can be used to select locations on the route. Once you have moved the pointer to the desired location press "Enter" twice to create and save a waypoint.

3. To start navigating press the "Page" button, then select the GPS information page and press the "Enter" key to begin. The GPS will start tracking your progress. To add new waypoints simply press "Enter" again.

4. Return to your previous destination, or any waypoint you've passed, by pressing the "Navigation" button, then "Go to Point." Select the desired waypoint and then mark the "Go To" option. This will take you to the map screen and point you toward the selected location.

Tips & Warnings

• A Garmin GPS device can store 700 to 2000 points of interest, depending on the model.

References

• GPS Information: Working with Track Logs