Your new handheld GPS might seem complex, but in truth it's very simple to use. This quick article will show you how easy it is to get started, by using the Trailspotting recommended Garmin eTrex Venture HC as an example. In next to no time you'll be showing off your latest expedition on Google Earth. (Above image is from the Haleakala Volcano Trail on Maui).

Using your new GPS
Unbox your GPS receiver, slot in the batteries and give it a few seconds to locate some satellites - you're now good to go. Literally.

Take your GPS on a journey - walk around the block, jog around the park or simply drive to the store and back - the GPS will log your movements without you having to touch a button. The map screen will show your position and trace your route as you move, like a trail of digital breadcrumbs.

This tracking feature is the most important function of your GPS unit - it orientates you to your environment and traces your movements so you can always find your way back to the start of your trip.



The other screen you'll want to look at is the statistics page, which displays a bunch of information on your trip such as distance traveled, journey time, moving time, average speed. Eventually you may want to customize this screen to show different information - personally we like to see the time of day and sunset time to be certain of the remaining daylight.

GPS on Your Computer
Say you've been hiking and you've taken your GPS device with you to help you navigate the trail and give you statistics on your journey. Now you're back home and you want to store your GPS trail on your computer, just like you do with the photos from your digital camera.

Connect your GPS to your computer and fire up the Garmin Mapsource software (it comes in the package). Your computer will recognize your GPS device and you can click on the 'receive from device' icon to download. Transfer will take just moments, then you can choose to view your hike on the screen and save your hike to your computer.

Click on the properties of the trail and you can also see the elevation profile, which plots the incline of the trail against distance traveled. Under the 'tracks' tab in the sidebar, right-click the 'active log' then click on the 'show profile'.

GPS on the Web
Want to do more with your new GPS hiking file? Save your file on your computer as a GPX file and upload it to an account at EveryTrail. With a free EveryTrail account you can store all of your trips, add photos, view your statistics and see your trails on an interactive map. The site will even give you a link so you can see your trail in three dimensions on Google Earth.



Trailspotting isn't affiliated with EveryTrail in any way, we just like it. Hey .. and if you do sign up to their service, remember to add your humble Trailspotting Editor as a friend!

Using Other People's Trails
Installing other people's trails (like the ones we provide at Trailspotting) is a breeze with Garmin's Mapsource software program. Make sure your GPS is connected, open the file you're interested in, then click the upload button.

Files with a GPX suffix are the ones you want to be uploading to your device. If you come across a KML or KMZ file that you'd like to use, simply convert them to GPX using the GPS Visualizer website.

Maps on your GPS
It might come as a surprise to know that you don't need a map on your GPS device, as you can get plenty of benefit from using the route tracking features alone. Superimposing your route on top of an on-screen map does have some advantages however.

The eTrex Venture has a built in base-map, but you'll find it only useful for locating roads and some geographical features. If you really feel like you need a topographical map on your GPS - with contours, trail routes and detailed features - then you'll be wanting to consider a product like Garmin's Topo 2008. We explored free mapping alternatives in this article but getting them to work might need some advanced computer skills.

Please remember that a GPS unit is only good while the batteries still work - never rely on a GPS receiver as your only means of navigation and always carry reliable paper-based maps for safety.

Next: A Cheapskates Guide to Free GPS Maps
Previous: An Introduction to GPS

Tangents:
- EveryTrail: Share your tracks & photos
- TopoShare: Another trail sharing site