Sample (computer-downloaded) GPS data

This discussion is for the computer nerds. Data gathering and download is a significant benefit of a GPS' abilities, but please remember that handheld GPS are designed to function entirely in your hand, far from computers. Don't let this page make you think you have to be a computer geek to use a GPS. This data is happening "behind the scenes" and shows up only when downloaded by a computer geek.

Automatic Track log:
"Track" is "where you've been". It's like the GPS is using a pencil to trace your route except that it also keeps the time (from the "year" all the way out to the "second") at each point. You can look at the track on the GPS screen, but you need computer-download capability to do anything with the track log. Most programs can even show the speed at which you traveled at any point during the day. TT-QV can replay your track with a pop-up speedo!
The Garmin 12, 12XL, 38, 40, 45, 45XL, 48, II, II+ can save 1024 automatic "Track" points. The III and III+ can gather around 1900 Track points. "Compressing" a tracklog (III and III+ only) will remove the timestamp and reduce the number of points to less than 250 points, freeing up memory for more data.

Waypoints:
A Waypoint is a specific location on the Earth. It is a Lat/Long coordinate, either recorded by a GPS, measured off a map, or downloaded from the internet. All the Garmins will hold 500 discrete, user-chosen "Waypoints". These are not compressible. If you're using the GPS enroute, you would push the "mark" button (create waypoints) at specific locations you'd like to remember. For example at an important intersection, an abandoned bridge, maybe you found a "Ford Model T" in the bushes. In addition to the Lat/Long coordinate, it's creation is time-stamped, you can name the waypoint and add comments.

This sample data was gathered by Garmin GPSIII+.