GPS Confusion

[ncc1701e]

I was making a flight and realized that I do not know what this symbol(indicated by red arrow) on my GPS means. It seems to be a "zero" or "O" moving horizontally amongst three short vertical lines. Any help in understanding it much appreciated. Thanks.

 

Edited March 23, 2013 by ncc1701e

[chris k]

Directional heading / variance.

Its the GPSs way of letting you know you're off course, and you should steer to the right.

In this case - you're off to the left of the ideal course.

Turn right and attempt to intercept the gps-plotted route. (the gps basically plots a line between your current location and your target location when you first programmed the GPS). This little wondering O character tells you just how far you are laterally left or right from that "ideal straight line".

Once you're lined up on the route, the O will be in the centre of the display, ontop of the middle "I"

In your case - Once you're lined up, turn slightly to the left to return to your proper direction.

If the O starts drifting again, you'll need to repeat this process.

Edited March 23, 2013 by chris k

[ncc1701e]

Ok thanks very much.

Edited March 23, 2013 by ncc1701e