The Garmin eTrex 10/20/30 - An Introductory Handbook for Natural Resource Managers - GPS: An Introduction and the Basics

Nov 4, 2026

This handbook provides basic guidance on using a Garmin eTrex GPS receiver (versions 10, 20, or 30) to support day-to-day business needs for forestry and natural resources management. It explains safe handling and storage, battery and cleaning practices, waterproof and dustproof limitations, and the role of the internal antenna for best satellite reception. It also covers essential setup considerations, including software updates, WAAS enabling/disabling for accuracy, and allowing the receiver time to stabilize before marking waypoints or tracks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Some Tricks of the Trade

Understanding Your GPS Receiver

Getting Started: Using Your GPS Unit

Application #1: Marking and Saving Waypoints

Application #2: Finding (Navigating to) a Waypoint

Application #3: Finding (Navigating to) a Waypoint defined by someone else

Application #4: Area Measurements Option-1: The Track Log Method

Option-2: The Route Method (in office)

Application #5: The Trip Computer Page

The Map Page and Acknowledgements

| The Garmin eTrex 10/20/30: An Introductory Handbook for Natural
Resource Managers

Prepared by: The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program
GPS: An Introduction and the Basics | | | --- | --- | | This handbook is intended to provide you with a basic understanding of how your Garmin eTrex GPS receiver (version 10, 20, or 30) can help to support your day to day business needs. For detailed information about this receiver, refer to the owner’s manual that is included with you GPS receiver (a digital version of your owner’s manual can also be downloaded from the Garmin website:( [h t t p : / / w w w 8 . g a r m i n . c o m / m a n u a l s /](h t t p : / / w w w 8 . g a r m i n . c o m / m a n u a l s /)[ ](h t t p : / / w w w 8 . g a r m i n . c o m / m a n u a l s /)[eTrexLegendHCx_OwnersManual.pdf](eTrexLegendHCx_OwnersManual.pdf)) .
The ETrex GPS receivers are fairly rugged. However, these receivers are small computers, and they should therefore be treated with care. For example, never store the GPS receiver in direct sunlight orin hot areas (car trunks) . When you are not using your GPS receiver for long periods of time (over 2 months), it is recommended that you remove the batteries. The eTrex GPS is fully water resistant and dust proof, however, it does not float! You should clean the outside of your GPS receiver by simply running cool water over it, or by wiping it off with a moist rag.
In addition, it should be noted that the GPS has an internal antennae. The antennae is located at the top of the GPS receiver (above “eTrex”) . Do not obstruct the antennae when you are operating your GPS! Most GPS receivers do not work inside, underground, or underwater. In order to get the best reception, your GPS receiver will require an unobstructed view of the sky. However with new high sensitivity GPS chip, the eTrex can receive consistently strong signals under dense tree canopy.
Marketing material suggests that this GPS receiver will require new batteries (\#2 AA) after approximately 22 hours of use. You may want to keep spare batteries handy. | When purchasing your GPS, it comes with a detailed owner’s manual, and a quick start user’s guide. In addition, your GPS receiver also comes with a USB cable. This cable can be attached to your computer. This will enable you to download or upload coordinates, and can facilitate field data collection.
A digital version of this manual is accessible from the VCCS Geospatial Portal, or via the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program website:
[http://www.gep.frec.vt.edu/cooltools.html](http://www.gep.frec.vt.edu/cooltools.html)
Table of Contents
Some Tricks of the Trade..................................2
Understanding Your GPS Receiver ..................3
Getting Started: Using Your GPS Unit.............5
Application \#1: Marking and Saving Waypoints ......................................................6
Application \#2: Finding (Navigating to) a Waypoint.....................................................7
Application \#3: Finding (Navigating to) a Waypoint defined by someone else ...............8
Application \#4: Area Measurements Option-1: The Track Log Method .................9
Option-2: The Route Method (in office)......11
Application \#5: The Trip Computer Page.......12
The Map Page and Acknowledgements..........15
| The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program Some Tricks of the Trade and things to remember… ♦ You know enough to be dangerous! Please note that this handout is intended to give you a working knowledge of GPS to the degree that you can collect data for use in forestry and natural resources management and planning. This handout does not give you the skills or authority of a licensed land surveyor. Applications of GPS for recording property boundaries, zoning boundaries and other legal boundaries such as setbacks requires the involvement of a licensed land surveyor. Likewise, legally binding calculations of propert

FAQs

What is this handbook designed to help readers do with the Garmin eTrex GPS receiver?

It provides working knowledge of GPS sufficient to collect data for forestry and natural resources management and planning. It is not a substitute for training or authority of a licensed land surveyor.

How should the GPS receiver be handled and stored to avoid issues?

Treat it with care like a small computer and avoid direct sunlight or hot storage areas. If not used for over 2 months, remove the batteries, and clean the exterior with cool water or a moist rag.

What steps improve accuracy when using the eTrex, including WAAS?

Update software and consider enabling WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) for improved accuracy. If satellite contact for WAAS is difficult due to terrain or tree cover, disabling WAAS may be better. After turning on the unit, wait for the receiver to stabilize before marking waypoints or laying tracks.

Nov 4, 2026

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