Reading the map properly and hence determining your position: This is very important because exact location of your vehicle is the most important thing which GPS provides.

Many types of maps are available, like the one in Garmin's Map source but they are not detailed, though functional. There are detailed maps also but they require a lot of memory space and you will also need specific software to your GPS. The GPS handset contains both internal and external maps. You can use external map by recording waypoints.

Entering a waypoint, rather that going for the manual way, just copy paste it from a website and upload it. Use a full keyboard or simply get the waypoint that you recorded on your journey printed on a map. This will make it a lot easier and will keep you away from the tiring job of entering waypoints.

Know your destination, this forms a very important aspect, for the GPS will function only when you know where you are moving. Choose your destination waypoint before your start. The unit will then function accordingly; the navigation features will get activated. Your GPS unit is not like an ordinary compass, if you remember this, things will become a lot easier for you.

Choosing the correct map: choosing the right map is as important as reading it properly. Many options are available like DeLorme which is packages for road maps. But the one detailed and excellent map software is TOPO by National Geographic. They give detailed topographic maps. However, the problem with them is that they cannot be used on a GPS unit as the unit uses only its own maps. But this problem can by solved by using Garmin's software to download your field recordings and then transfer it to TOPO. This will result in a detailed map of your travel and hence make it a lot easier for you. The National geographic offers these TOPO CDs by the state to make it inexpensive and convenient for people to use.