The GPSMAP 296 builds on the tradition of Garmin aviation handhelds like the GPSMAP 196 and GPSMAP 295. New features like terrain cautions and alerts, sectional chart-like topographic data, a built-in obstacle database of the U.S., and a transparent navigation arc view for course, speed, and distance information lead the list of advances. The GPSMAP 296 also features USB data transfer, faster processing speed, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Press a button, and you have your choice of the unit's automotive or marine modes.

An automatic logbook also calculates your flight time and automatically records departure and arrival locations. When used with Garmin's free logbook software—FlightBook—this feature makes light work of maintaining your logbook. Your flight information will be stored in the unit and can be downloaded to this exclusive Flightbook software at any time.

Garmin delivers terrain awareness in an intuitive Terrain mode on the GPSMAP 296. The unit combines GPS position, GPS altitude and topographical mapping to give pilots a vivid depiction of potential terrain hazards.

Pilots gain terrain awareness in a number of ways:

Terrain and obstacle information
By using visual cues and tone alerts, pilots can be aware of potentially dangerous terrain or obstacle conflicts along the current flight path. The unit also offers a configurable look-ahead warning function which gives the pilot additional time to make critical decisions.
Configurable buffer zones
The pilot can set the minimum limits to receive terrain cautions. The unit then presents potential hazards in yellow (to indicate ground proximity of 500-1000 feet) and red (to indicate ground proximity of 100 feet or less).
Obstacles database
Users can view the elevation or relative altitude of any obstacle (towers, buildings, etc.) within the unit’s built-in database. (This feature is only available with the Americas version.)
Pop-up alerts
Terrain proximity cautions and alerts pop up as digital thumbnail images in the lower left-hand corner of any page whenever a potential hazard conflict looms ahead.
The GPSMAP 296 is designed to move seamlessly between an aircraft, vehicle, or boat:

Automotive Mode
Provides automatic route generation, turn-by-turn guidance, and voice prompts, plus a built-in worldwide database of borders and major cities. The optional Auto Kit includes two mounts, a cigarette-lighter adapter with speaker output, a 128-MB data card, and a MapSource® City Select® CD-ROM for detailed mapping and address lookup capabilities.
Marine Mode
Features a worldwide marine database and U.S. tide data. When coupled with the optional Marine Kit (64-MB data card and MapSource BlueChart® CD-ROM), the unit displays such information as depth contours, inter-tidal zones, spot soundings, wrecks, navaids, port plans, restricted areas, cable areas, anchorages, and much more.