It makes sense that rather than have NO altitude data in barometer only mode, to fallback to GPS altitude. Right now you have no altitude data in that mode.

This request could be a fourth separate option "use GPS altitude only" if that makes more sense.

This request stems from the fact that the altitude data at the moment has only 2 real options: wrong and off.

It makes sense that rather than have NO altitude data in barometer only mode, to fallback to GPS altitude. Right now you have no altitude data in that mode.

Exactly. In barometer mode you have no altitude. And that's the way it's always been. In each of my watch since 2016, and so it will always be ! Your statement to connect the barometer mode with altitude makes no sense, because these two things simply have nothing to do with each other. In barometer mode, the altitude does not change. And that's how it has to be.

use GPS altitude data

Understanding the Accuracy of the GPS Elevation Reading

„ It is not uncommon for satellite heights to be off from map elevations by +/- 400 ft. Use these values with caution when navigating. „

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=QPc5x3ZFUv1QyoxITW2vZ6 

This request stems from the fact that the altitude data at the moment has only 2 real options: wrong and off.

This request could be a fourth separate option "use GPS altitude

Why add another source of error instead of working with Garmin (Chris) and helping them fix a possible misbehavior of the barometric measurement ?

bluefish said:

Why add another source of error instead of working with Garmin (Chris) and helping them fix a possible misbehavior of the barometric measurement ?

Maybe because to distinguish which pressure change is caused by weather and which by altitude change is difficult regardless what artificial intelligence will work with it. I have never seen such huge error like 400 ft of the GPS elevation. But without regular calibration I found myself under sea level:

400 ft is nice comparing this (reality was 200m above the sea level. Software version 12.00 I think).

What prevents you from calibrating the elevation with DEM ?

Arrogance. Let the Garmin perform itself! And I do not even know what the DEM is. And my old stupidphone does not know it either.