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Getting Started
Main Page Sequence
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Reference
WAAS Capability
The GPSMAP 3006C/3010C is capable of receiving WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) satellite
signals. WAAS is an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) funded project to improve the overall accuracy
and integrity of the GPS signal for aviation use, but land/sea based users may also benefi t from this system.
At this time, the system is still in the development stage and is not fully operational. There are currently
two WAAS satellites that can be received in the U.S.A., one over the Atlantic Ocean and one over the
Pacifi c Ocean, in a geo-stationary orbit over the equator. Effective use of the WAAS satellite signal may be
limited by your geographic location in relation to those satellites, now in developmental service. WAAS
satellite signal reception requires an absolute clear view of the sky and works best when there are no
nearby obstructions such as buildings, mountains, etc. WAAS satellites are numbered 33 or higher when
viewing the sky view on your GPSMAP 3006C/3010C. Initial reception of the WAAS signal may take up
to 15-20 minutes, then 1-2 minutes afterwards. When WAAS differential correction has been received for
GPS satellites (numbers 32 or below), a ‘D’ appears in the signal bar of the sky view and “Ready For Navi-
gation with WAAS” appears in the Status fi eld. To learn more about the WAAS system, its satellite posi-
tions and current state of development, visit the FAA web site (http://gps.faa.gov). Since WAAS requires
CPU resources of the GPSMAP 3006C/3010C to search for and track the satellites, you may disable the
WAAS feature to improve unit performance if WAAS reception is not available in your area.
Receiver Status and Accuracy
Receiver status is indicated by the Status fi eld. Current accuracy is indicated by the EPE (Estimated
Position Error) fi eld. Accuracy uses many factors, such as the number of received GPS satellites, signal
strength and satellite orientation to calculate position accuracy in feet or meters. The status fi eld shows
one of the following conditions:
• Searching for Satellites – the receiver is looking for any satellites and collecting data from satellites
visible at its last known or initialized position, but has not collected enough data to calculate a fi x.
This process can take up to fi ve minutes.
• Ready For Navigation – at least three satellites with good geometry have been acquired and your
position is now being calculated in latitude, longitude and elevation. ‘Ready For Navigation with
WAAS’ appears when you are receiving WAAS satellite corrections in and a ‘D’ shows on the
strength bar of satellites being corrected.
Main Menu: GPS Tab
The GPSMAP 3006C/3010C uses GPS technology in
order to fi nd your precise location. GPS stands for Global
Positioning System, a group of 24 satellites, circling the
earth twice a day at an altitude of about 12,000 miles. The
satellites transmit very low power radio signals contain-
ing position and time information, allowing anyone with
a GPS receiver to determine their location on the Earth
within 100 meters or better. For more detailed informa-
tion regarding GPS, Garmin has prepared a booklet titled
“GPS Guide for Beginners” available from our Web site at
www.garmin.com.
