Garmin GPS Altitude/elevation accuracy(altimeter)

[pfredricks]

ON a hike recently-(I am certain that some of you are aware of this)
someone wondered why their GPS didnt exactly match the map/benchmark readings, thinking that their Garmin should have been pretty accurate.

I found out recently that the Garmin uses barometric pressure not GPS triangulation measurements to determine elevation. SO, when the weather or barometric pressure changes, so would the accuracy of the GPS. I had wondered about that too.

Suunto watches work off of the same principle.

They are pretty accurate nonetheless and while not always accurate on any given day, altitude gain/loss should be nearly dead on unless an EXTREME weather shift occured.

I know that sunnto recommends not changing the factory altimeter settings as they are based on the best possible average. It probably would not be advised to change the factory settings on the GPS with a known altitude either.

Hope this helps!

[ck1]

[pfredricks]

Yeah, I have been amazed with the suunto-the thing forgets it's a wristwatch.
I kinda like the asc/dcs rate feature. and the hourly log thing. All very handy stuff.
I think the advisor has the altitude lock so you can lock it at an altitude??????
Like so when you are sleeping and the weather changes it stays where you left it.
I think that's the model with that feature.
_________________
"I am just going outside and may be some time."- Explorer Oates' last words before crawling out of his tent in -40 C temps. Sacrificed himself so as not to hold back his 1912 South Pole expedition teamates.

[ck1]

I utilize the heart rate monitor feature the most, use it almost every day. I was chatting with Marco at REI tempe about perhaps them offering a Suunto clinic...a how to on the different features of the watch. I was surprised by how small the manual was, it gives basic info, but could provide more.

Suunto makes a dam good watch.
_________________
-Colin

"The Journey is the Destination"

[pfredricks]

well, I have just been advised that all GPS have altimeters
just some have barometric altimeters as well.
It's just that neither method is all that accurate to make a long story short.

So now I know too.
_________________
"I am just going outside and may be some time."- Explorer Oates' last words before crawling out of his tent in -40 C temps. Sacrificed himself so as not to hold back his 1912 South Pole expedition teamates.

[plummer150]

Just go for the altimeter or the barameter, usually both as a combination from past experience doesnt work.
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"IRONMAN" cometh, hiketh, destroyeth

[sam_hikes]