15. Navigating To A Set of Coordinates

Figure 81: Choosing Coordinates As A Destination Type

To navigate to a set of coordinates, tap Where to? from the Main Menu, and then scroll down to see the Coordinates icon, as shown above.

Figure 82: Entering the Coordinates

Use the on-screen keypad to enter the coordinates, or tap Format to change the coordinates format.

By default the nüvi 500 populates the coordinates field with your current position.

Figure 83: Selecting the Coordinates Format

The nüvi 500 supports several different coordinates formats used around the world.

16. Finding Geographic Points

The nüvi 500 includes topographic maps that include saved locations for various geographic points, such as lakes, rivers, mountain peaks, and other landmarks.

Figure 84: Choosing Geographic Points As A Destination Type

Touch Where To? > Geographic Points to view nearby locations, or tap Near to search for Geographic Points at a location other than your current position.

Figure 85: Viewing Geographic Points

Select a Geographic Point from the list.

Figure 86: Viewing A Geographic Point on the Map

Tapping on a Geographic Point from the previous list brings up the map preview screen, shown above. From here, you can save the destination to the address book, or begin navigating by tapping Go!.

Pre-loading the nüvi 500 with geographic points of interest is an excellent idea that adds value to the GPS. However, I wish Garmin had included some descriptive information about each destination. Without at least a minimal description of the location, it's almost impossible to know which Geographic Points are of interest to you.

17. Compass

The nüvi 500 includes a digital compass screen. You don't need to calibrate the compass, but you do need to have a clear view of the sky. To access the compass, touch Tools > Compass.

Figure 87: Compass In Off-Road Mode

1. Bug indicator
2. Direction arrow
3. Speed
4. Elevation
5. Time of Day
6. Distance to destination

When navigating in off-road mode, the red arrow points in the direction you should travel to stay on the route. When the red arrow points towards the bud indicator, you're going directly towards the destination.

Figure 88: Compass In Driving Mode

When navigating to a destination in driving mode, your heading is shown in degrees in the center of the compass.