Learning About Gps - Garmin GPSMAP 376C Owner's Manual

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PPENDIX EARNING BOUT

Learning About GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation
system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the
United States Department of Defense.
GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the
1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use.
GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24
hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to
use GPS. For more information see the Garmin Web site at
and read the GPS Guide for Beginners, which is found
garmin.com
on the Web site at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/manual.html.
Common GPS Terms
Initialization—the first time a GPS receiver orients itself to its
current location and collects data. After the receiver is initialized, it
remembers its location and acquires a position more quickly.
Position—an exact, unique location based on geographic
coordinates (Latitude and Longitude).
Route—A group of waypoints entered into the GPS receiver in the
sequence you want to navigate them.
Waypoint—a location you store in your GPS. It might be a
checkpoint on a route or a significant ground feature, such as your
campsite or favorite fishing spot.
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What is Differential GPS (DGPS)?
The United States and Canadian governments (among others) have
set up Differential GPS (DGPS) stations to transmit correction
signals. They are operational in coastal areas and on many navigable
river systems.
The DGPS system is available for use without a fee, but you do need
additional equipment to receive DGPS signals; a beacon receiver
compatible with the RTCM format sentences supported by your
Garmin GPS is needed to use DGPS.
www.
Refer to the United States Coast Guard's Web site
navcen.uscg.gov/) for locations and status of the differential stations.
Differential Field
Differential receiver status is indicated in the bottom left field of the
GPS tab and will show one of the following conditions:
• None—no optional beacon receiver is attached or enabled in
the Interface sub tab on the Main Menu—Setup tab or WAAS
is disabled.
• Searching for WAAS—WAAS is enabled and the receiver is
searching for WAAS signal.
• Using WAAS—WAAS capability is enabled and the unit is
receiving WAAS corrections.
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GPSMAP 376C Owner's Manual