Elevation Accuracy & Calibration

Former Member over 5 years ago

Hi. I looked a bit through the forums and couldn't seem to find a topic about this, but perhaps I missed it?

I live in the Netherlands, so elevation is a small issue here. I am lucky if I can get 50m gain on a short run... But this means that accuracy is important. Now I've noticed (perhaps because I often run at the end of the day) that the start and end elevation is different, even though it's the same spot. I understand that has to do with the barometric pressure that changes, which is used for altitude. So I have a few questions based on this issue:

Is there a function where the watch can figure out that I'm running at a certain time of day, and therefore adjust the altitude? Surely it's clever enough?
What's the best way to calibrate my elevation readings in order to get more accuracy?
Any other tips I should be aware of?

I just got the fenix 6 pro a few days ago, and until now ran with a 920XT, and that had the same problem of course. But the new watch is a lot smarter, so I'm assuming it can do more!

Thanks for any help!

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

Sensors & Accessories

- Altimeter - calibrate altitude manually. - set auto cal during activity and not during activity both OFF

- Barometer - calibrate - same as above and with a one time sealevel pressure (check https://bliksemdetectie.nl/index.php/actueel/luchtdruk )

set Watch Mode = Barometer

this should do it

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

Sensors & Accessories

- Altimeter - calibrate altitude manually. - set auto cal during activity and not during activity both OFF

- Barometer - calibrate - same as above and with a one time sealevel pressure (check https://bliksemdetectie.nl/index.php/actueel/luchtdruk )

set Watch Mode = Barometer

this should do it

0 6813873 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Caleb, do you think that the above would work for accurate elevation gain while hiking? I’m on my 5th Garmin and each one has Had the exact same problem with tracking elevation gain during a hike. Example, either comes close to doubling actual elevation, this usually gets correct post hike when I check “elevation corrections” or at some point during my climb it adds around 1000 feet to the actually number I’ve talked to Garmin and the response is always some iteration of barometric pressure Thanks

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to 6813873

It is the closest i could get. My fenix1 was perfect with altimeters. Once calibrated it went many years from minus 5 up to plus 3000 all over europe. With this fenix6 it has been a struggle, but now it looks ok with 9.00 and gps 4.31...

0 eezytiger over 5 years ago in reply to 6813873

I have recently started using the Hike activity to track my dog walks. They are only about one hour duration, so barometric change is likely to be minimal. Here is an example of 6X vs Polar V800 altitude change during a one hour walk.

I calibrate manually at home from a known altitude and turn off all auto calculations at all times. If I forget to calibrate before setting off the delta for the Hike should remain correct, even if absolute values are offset a bit.

FWIW if I remember to calibrate every day (I don't) I typically find that I only need to adjust by 3-4m max, often 0m.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks for the tips. I don't see a Barometer auto calibrate option on my watch, can you elaborate on your second point a bit please, do I enter the pressure manually or?

And then what if I travel, will it still figure it all out, or will I need to calibrate or something if I'm not running from home?