Altimeter calibration using maps data

I'm interested in this too!

Usefully DCR posted this detail he got from Garmin (in the comments on his F5+ review) https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/06/garmin-fenix5-plus-5s-5x-in-depth-review.html#comment-2907616

We've improved the in-activity auto calibration for the altimeter by leveraging the DEM provided in our preloaded cartography data. Our new default is now “Continuous” mode (Settings > Sensors > Altimeter > Auto Cal. > During Activity). This continuous calibration setting enables an algorithm that uses both DEM and GPS elevation as references to offset any altimeter drift due to weather-related pressure changes during an activity. These improvements are provided in a long-term manner without sacrificing the main benefit of a separate altimeter sensor on the device: the ability to accurately track short-term elevation change and provide responsive elevation-related data during an activity (e.g. hill repeat workouts). Note: the At Start calibration also occurs when Continuous is enabled.

We’ve added an altimeter calibration for watch mode as well (Settings > Sensors > Altimeter > Auto Cal. > Not During Activity). Assuming a user has enabled the use of location data on GCM, we will use the phone position along with the DEM provided in our preloaded cartography data to attempt a calibration each night during a user’s sleep window.

An additional option was added under manual calibration that allows a user to utilize the unit’s built-in DEM to calibrate the altimeter

So there is a background calibration of sorts, outside of an activity, that uses your phone location data instead of watch data whilst you sleep.

I am wondering why this explanation hasn’t made its way in the manual. This is a very detailed and important information for the users!

Yep. I fully expect/hope that Garmin will be adding this feature shortly.

Think it would be avalible on fenix 6 or fenix 5++ ;)

I didn't understand if this will be implemented, it's already implemented and it's hide...

"We’ve added an altimeter calibration for watch mode as well (Settings > Sensors > Altimeter > Auto Cal. > Not During Activity). Assuming a user has enabled the use of location data on GCM, we will use the phone position along with the DEM provided in our preloaded cartography data to attempt a calibration each night during a user’s sleep window."

I always switch the watch off when I am not wearing it to save battery life.

We've improved the in-activity auto calibration for the altimeter by leveraging the DEM provided in our preloaded cartography data. Our new default is now “Continuous” mode (Settings > Sensors > Altimeter > Auto Cal. > During Activity). This continuous calibration setting enables an algorithm that uses both DEM and GPS elevation as references to offset any altimeter drift due to weather-related pressure changes during an activity. These improvements are provided in a long-term manner without sacrificing the main benefit of a separate altimeter sensor on the device: the ability to accurately track short-term elevation change and provide responsive elevation-related data during an activity (e.g. hill repeat workouts). Note: the At Start calibration also occurs when Continuous is enabled.

This is not nearly enough though. I was walking back from work yesterday and initiated an activity in order to get a position lock. The watch had me at -3 meters at the time, which did not update to a more reasonable value after it locked on to GPS. Perhaps the above is not working as intended as of yet?

Is this maybe solved by selecting the right datafield in your acticity screen?

From the Manual:
Elevation - The altitude of your current location above or below sea level.
GPS Elevation - The altitude of your current location using GPS.

My Fenix 5 plus in the mail so I can't test it out myself ;)

Question about this:

”This continuous calibration setting enables an algorithm that uses both DEM and GPS elevation as references to offset any altimeter drift due to weather-related pressure changes during an activity.”

If somebody is using the jumpmaster app, shouldn’t he better disable the “continuous” option, because it uses the DEM and GPS elevation and so he would perhaps get a totally wrong altitude?

ANOTHER ALTITUDE CALIBRATION OPTION using MAP could be helpful
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INTRODUCTION -- CURRENT calibration has ONLY THREE options with following functions:

1/ <YES> - manual entering the altitude
2/ <Use DEM> - DEM info is used based on GPS coordinates
3/ <Use GPS> - GPS alt info is used based on GPS elev data

ANOTHER OPTION could be very helpful:
4/ <Use DEM on Map> would be similar to current <Use DEM> but the source of coordinates will be manual pick from the map (more in explanation bellow):

Current standard <Use DEM> is fine only for good GPS signal in NOT STEEP TERRAIN, but when the terrain is steep and GPS is not accurate enough, the calibration could pick wrong altitude based on wrong (moreover unknown) position, so solution could be such NEW OPTION CALLED e.g. <Use DEM on Map> for manual finetune of exact point on the map. So GPS would just help to show the map area, but gps would not be the source of the used DEM coordinates. Respectively GPS would be the source just in the case when no manual finetuning would be done by a user and user would just confirm the place after a visual check of the GPS suggested point).

Also IF such calibration option will be added, the DEM altitude of the focused point should be shown as number above the "meter scale" shown on bottom of the map screen during the picking the point.
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