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Only just realized DEM is working again in 26.09

jan.shim

I updated the Fenix 7X SS to 26.09 over a week ago, had a few Bike activities since then, routinely perform DEM calibration before an activity. Usually just walked away for a bit to grab my helmet, turn on blinkers etc, did not realize the altitude number showing meant DEM was working OK (because it had been broken for so long). Just before this post, I stepped outside, and did a DEM calibration for a Run activity and it worked. Wonder if that's the same for everyone whose DEM hasn't worked in a long time?

  • 0

    Hey Jan, thanks for informing us. However while I was full of hope I tested that immediately since I just had to set up an Enduro 2 - not luck with it unfortunately. The behavior is the same as it was lately with 23.48 & 25.11: DEM works as it is supposed to until I connect to GC for the very first time (latest for Android). After that the problem is back.

    @all for clarification: we are referencing to this topic here: 

     https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-7-series/415060/no-dem-elevation-available-strikes-back-v-22-06-and-2025-maps

    Congratulations to you, one problem less. ;-)

  • 0 in reply to Erik T7

    That's right. I'm still dealing with the total ascent accuracy at every Trail Run activity. On long training days in extremely hot conditions, the BUFF hack works till it stops working. So much sweating the BUFF gets completely soaked and the barometer opening gets moisture as a result, elevation gains start creeping up. I've now upped the hack to include applying antiperspirant covering my left hand and that has helped. Shouldn't really have to go to such lengths but here we are ...  

  • 0 in reply to jan.shim

    I'm quite successful using a protective cover for the housing of the unit where I covered the opening for the sensor with gaffer tape in a way that only very small openings are in to direction of the buttons. I'm not sure how ever if that will help you under those quite extreme conditions, moisture will find its way I'm sure. It prevents wind pressure e.g. from downhill driving to press onto the sensor...Maybe it helps to fix a little piece of sponge this way... 

      

  • 0

    DEM comes from the topo maps when you have those loaded right?

    I do seem to get a DEM response on Fenix7s v26.09

    However it claims 66 feet altitude when I know the reality is closer to 100 feet MSL

    Put the free GPSTEST app onto any android phone and pick a location you can repoduce for testing like standing on a specific mark or manhole cover or something like that

    let GPSTEST setting for a minute or too and look at the MSL from the various sat networks

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.gpstest

    https://f-droid.org/packages/com.android.gpstest.osmdroid

    https://github.com/barbeau/gpstest/releases

    I really really wish Garmin would expose more information about GPS internals via an app or debug screen, what sat network, how many connections being detected, signal strength for each. It's 2026, not too much to ask

  • 0 in reply to RinseRepeat

    The watch's GPS does the same thing as GPSTEST and both output an altitude number very close to each other. I saw roughly differences of 0.5m between the two devices. DEM on the other hand pulls altitude data from the topo map once GPS has determined your 2D position. As to which one is more accurate, I think both are capable of errors so it's down to personal preference. I use DEM because it's faster and the number doesn't change unlike GPS. 

  • 0 in reply to RinseRepeat
    RinseRepeat said:
    DEM comes from the topo maps when you have those loaded right?

    On my Tactix 7 I would suggest that the DEM data come from the DEM Basemap installed on the watch:

    • Software Version: 26.09
    • M/N: A04597, IC: 1792A-A04597, FCC ID: IPH-A04597
    • Host: 26.09 (82d435d)
    • GPS: 14.01
    • TSC: 7.68
    • CIQ: 5.2.0
    • BMX: 21.1.0
    • WHR: 21.01.00
    • Wireless: 28.27
    • Wireless Status: 0
    • Sensor Hub: 35.10
    • NFC: 3.5.8
    • WLT: 3.2.14
    • UDI: (01)00860009117716(10)1.1.4
    • CPE: Current
    • AB Core Build: 78
    • AB Database: 1055
    • Firstbeat Analytics – ETE: 6.24.0.8 LHA: 2.10.0.8
    • CC-BY 4.0
    • Emoji font: v2.10
    • Wi-Fi MAC Address – 38:f9:f5:15:93:71 / Bluetooth MAC Address – 38:f9:f5:15:93:70
    • Cycle 2604 Eff. 16-Apr-2026 EXP. 14-May-2026 Jeppesen Copyright 2026

    *** Map Manager ***

    • TopoActive North America Map Version 2026.10
    • Garmin Public Land Map v2024.10 Map Version 24.10
    • Golf Australia & New Zealand Map Version 26.10
    • Golf Europe Map Version 26.10
    • Golf North America Map Version 26.10
    • SkiView 2026.10 Map Version 26.10
    • TopoActive NA, US East 2026.10 Map Version 26.10
    • TopoActive NA, US West 2026.10 Map Version 26.10
    • Worldwide DEM Basemap, NR Map Version 7.00

     Is this not installed on your watch?

    HTH

  • 0 in reply to RinseRepeat
    RinseRepeat said:
    I really really wish Garmin would expose more information about GPS internals via an app or debug screen, what sat network, how many connections being detected, signal strength for each. It's 2026, not too much to ask

    I agree.  I encourage you (and everyone else interested) to do as I did and send this idea directly to Garmin engineers at this link:

    Garmin Share Ideas

    HTH