What Is Garmin TracBack?

Garmin's TracBack feature allows the GPS user to retrace a previously traveled route. This is available on Garmin's off-road models. Understanding how the feature works and how to use it will improve your enjoyment of your Garmin GPS.

How It Works

• While the GPS user is traveling along a route, the receiver is constantly monitoring its location and storing this information in a series of waypoints that constitute a track. At any point, the user can save this track information for later use. The TracBack feature allows the user to recall the track information and follow it. This can be done in reverse, to return to the starting point, or in the original direction, to repeat the same trip exactly as it was done the first time.

Managing Track Information

• With the "Tracks" menu, the Garmin user can control how the receiver records the track, recording waypoints by distance or time intervals, or letting the GPS select the best method automatically. Mapping models such as the GPSMap 78 allow you to determine whether or not the track is shown on the map as you travel.

Practical Uses

• The TracBack feature comes in handy when you are not using the GPS to guide you to a known destination, but merely exploring a random path in a wilderness area. Not only will it help you get back to your starting point, but saving the track allows you to repeat an enjoyable hike. If you are on the water and have taken a winding route down a river or along a rugged shoreline, the TracBack feature can guide you safely back to the dock or waterside launching point should you be caught in a sudden fog or other severe weather.