16. Using the nuvi 780 on foot (Pedestrian mode)

Figure 92: Accessing the Tools Menu

The nuvi 780 can be put into pedestrian mode if you want to use the GPS on foot to walk to a destination. To switch the nuvi into pedestrian mode, tap Tools > Settings > System > Usage Mode > Pedestrian > OK.

Figure 93: Tools Menu

Figure 94: Settings Menu

Figure 95: Usage Mode Screen

Garmin provides three modes to choose from: Automotive, Bicycle, and Pedestrian.

NOTE: The nuvi 780 also has the ability to navigate off road, although that option is hidden in a different menu. To use the nuvi 780 in off-road mode, tap Tools > Settings > Navigation > Route Preference > Off Road > OK.

17. Adding a Stop to the Current Trip

Figure 96: Adding a Stop Along the Route

Search for a destination while already en route to a destination address and the nuvi 780 will ask whether you want to use this as a new destination address, or if you want to continue to your original destination by way of the new address.

Note that you can only insert one additional stop along a current route. If you want to plan a trip with more than one stop, use a Route instead.

18. Canceling the Route

Figure 97: Canceling the Route

Including the Stop button is a nice feature. I've tested a lot of GPS devices and have found that canceling a route can be a surprisingly difficult task. For example, TomTom's GPS units don't have any way to cancel the route (you can make it appear by switching the TomTom to "Advanced" mode, but under the default menu there's simply no way to cancel the current route).

In my testing I found the detour function worked adequately, although there are no options for how far you want to avoid the current problem, or ability to choose from a list of alternate routes, or exclude specific roads from the trip. But it does provide a quick and easy way to get off the current road if you run into a problem.

19. Saving Your Current Location

Figure 98: Where Am I / Save Current Location Screen

Tapping on the vehicle icon on the map screen brings up Garmin's updated "Where Am I" screen, shown above in figure 98. This is a great feature that provides one-touch access to your current street address (or closest valid street address), nearest intersection, and exact coordinates.

Garmin's well designed location screen also provides one-touch access to nearby hospitals, police stations, and gas stations.

Tapping Save Location Saving your current location adds the current position to the nuvi's Address Book, and allows you to assign a name the location.

20. Custom Vehicle Icons

Figure 99: Custom Vehicle Icons Can Be Downloaded Via Garmin.com

One of the more entertaining features of Garmin's nuvi 780 (and all other nuvi models) is the ability to download and install custom vehicle icons. Garmin's library of free, downloadable vehicle icons are available at www.garmin.com/vehicles.

Garmin frequently adds new vehicles to the library, so if you're into these icons you might want to check back every few months for new icons.

Figure 100: Changing the Vehicle Icon Displayed on the Map

Once you've downloaded the vehicle icons from Garmin's website, you'll want to unzip the files, connect the nuvi to your PC, and then copy the new vehicle icons into the Garmin/vehicle folder on your nuvi.

One you've copied over the new vehicles, the icon that represents your vehicle on the map can be changed to one of the new downloaded icons by tapping on Main Menu > Tools (wrench) > Settings > Map > Change...

Figure 101: Custom Vehicle Icons

As you browse the various installed vehicle icons, the nuvi displays the new icon on the map so you can see how it will look. Figure 101, above, shows the "Station Wagon" and "RV" vehicle icons.

Figure 102: Custom Vehicle Icons

Prefer to see yourself on 2 wheels? The motorcycle vehicle icon is for you.