Altitude Readings, silly question?

Former Member over 7 years ago

only had my 5x a couple of weeks and just back from holiday in Majorca.

I was watching the 5X altitude readings on both plane trips, showing a max of around 8000 feet. ( definitely in feet not metres on settings )

As planes normally fly at around 30,000 feet can someone explain why the readings are so out?

thanks

Iain

0 SUSSAMB over 7 years ago

Err yes ... Pressure inside the plane isn't normal pressure. Next time you could always try opening the window ;)

0 razmichael over 7 years ago

Read this post (not specific to Garmin) on the interaction between altitude, barometric pressure, GPS altitude etc.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/#/topics/266991?page=1
then you should understand better what you saw - oh, despite what sassamb said - don?t try to open the window!

0 mcalista over 7 years ago

Yes, airplane cabins are pressurized to the equivalent of what you'd get at about 8000 feet. Reduces metal fatigue and condensation on the aircraft skin, while still providing enough oxygen to keep passengers comfortable.

The watch elevation is generally driven by the barometric altimeter, which picked up the equivalent pressure to 8000 feet.

0 sis651 over 7 years ago

You can add GPS elevation data field to one of your activities and check it to see your elevation.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

thanks guys, I'll read the info on the link to give me some understanding on how this works.

appreciated

Iain