Accuracy
If you're evaluating the accuracy of Elevation Tracker's data, please consider a few facts about GPS technology:
- Margin of error: Elevation Tracker uses elevation data provided by your iPhone's GPS receiver. GPS (Global Positioning System) was designed to find an object's latitude and longitude, and is generally accurate to about 10 meters for that purpose. It can also be used to locate an object's elevation above sea level, but is only accurate to about 30 meters for that purpose. Consequently, the elevation displayed by Elevation Tracker is likely to be off by around 30 meters at any given moment. This is why a trip that starts and ends at the same location might show a different starting and ending elevation, or why the displayed elevation might change while you are standing still.
- Data smoothing: Since your phone provides GPS data to apps running on it, any other location-related apps you use are probably working with the same data. But they might show different results because each app uses its own algorithm for smoothing the data. Data smoothing is a process of analyzing the fluctuations in GPS data to try and estimate the "true" values. Elevation Tracker applies a simple, 60-second moving average to incoming elevation data, which provides results that are comparable, but not exactly equal, to other apps.
- Real world use: The best way to test Elevation Tracker is to use it in the activities it was designed for, like running, biking or hiking. Beware of tests that do not resemble real-world use, such as a test performed indoors (GPS accuracy is much worse indoors) or over a very small distance (such as walking up a flight of stairs).
The bottom line is that no GPS-based elevation tool will be perfectly accurate, but the smoothed data collected during the course of your activities should provide very useful info for measuring the amount of climbing you are doing.
FAQs
It can also be used to locate an object's elevation above sea level, but is only accurate to about 30 meters for that purpose. Consequently, the elevation displayed by Elevation Tracker is likely to be off by around 30 meters at any given moment.
How does the iPhone track elevation? ›
The iPhone app compass altitude sensor works by using the device's barometer to determine changes in atmospheric pressure, which it then uses to calculate changes in altitude. The barometer measures air pressure changes and compares them to a known baseline pressure, which allows it to determine changes in altitude.
How accurate is phone GPS elevation? ›
GPS is highly accurate in the horizontal plane, but very poor in the vertical. This is due to the angle between the line of sight to the various GPS satellites and the ground. Small errors result in big differences in height, but not big differences in location on the earth.
How accurate is the Apple Watch elevation? ›
Apple Watch Ultra2 elevation readings vary by 150 ft from day to day.
Can my phone tell my altitude? ›
Modern smartphones contain a barometer that can be used as an altimeter to measure elevation or to calculate the number of steps you have climbed. In areas with poor GPS reception an altimeter can be more accurate than GPS-based elevation readings and do not require an Internet connection.
How accurate is elevation data? ›
The root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated, which is a commonly used method to express vertical accuracy of elevation datasets. The overall absolute vertical accuracy calculated for the NED is 2.44 meters (RMSE), whereas the assessment of the SRTM showed an accuracy of 3.53 meters (RMSE).
How to get accurate elevation? ›
If you're looking for an exact number, use an altimeter, computer, or smartphone to calculate your current position above sea level. If you're trying to find a difference in elevation between 2 points of land, use tie a length of string between two posts and use a level to determine the difference.
Can Apple Maps tell me my elevation? ›
It's not possible to see your current elevation in Maps, but you can quickly see your current elevation using the Compass app on your iPhone. This is one of the Apple apps that comes pre-installed on your iPhone. Open the Compass app and you'll see your current elevation at the bottom of the screen.
What is the difference between altitude and elevation? ›
The term elevation is mainly used when referring to points on the Earth's surface, while altitude or geopotential height is used for points above the surface, such as an aircraft in flight or a spacecraft in orbit, and depth is used for points below the surface.
How accurate is the GPS on an iPhone? ›
The GPS on your smartphone might help you find your nearest Chinese restaurant or grocery store, but it's not as precise as you think. Smartphones are usually accurate within a 4.9-meter radius, which is less than a high-quality standalone GPS device.
[iPhone] How do I improve location accuracy?
- Enable Location Service 🔄 Settings > Privacy > Location Services > iSharing > "Always" ...
- Turn on Wi-Fi 📶 ...
- Make sure Internet connection is active 🌐 ...
- Disable Low Power Mode 🔋 ...
- Enable Push notification 🚨 ...
- Do not remove the app from background.
Based on open sky conditions, the Google Pixel 6 has the best position accuracy at 2.7 m, followed very closely by the Samsung Galaxy S21 at 2.77 m. The Motorola One 5G comes next at 3.22 m, and the Apple iPhone 13 trailing that at 3.95 m.
Can an iPhone detect elevation? ›
The Compass app shows you the direction iPhone is pointing, your current location, and elevation. Note: Your coordinates and elevation may not be available in certain countries or regions.
Does Apple show elevation? ›
Choose a compass view
Turn the Digital Crown down to see a large compass arrow with your heading below. Turn the Digital Crown up two screens to see your incline, elevation, and coordinates in the inner ring of the compass. Your bearing is on the outer ring. Nearby waypoints are shown in the center.
Can Apple Watch detect ST elevation? ›
The Apple Watch shows promise for detecting MI. Current studies have shown that it can record multiple-lead ECG signals and detect the ST change during MI. However, there are still many limitations to achieving the objective of early MI detection, and more clinical data are needed.
How far above sea level am I app? ›
My Altitude uses GPS signals to determine your current location, showing your latitude, longitude and altitude (height from sea level) barometric pressure and water boiling point.
How do elevation apps work? ›
The altimeter measures changes in atmospheric pressure (which changes as you gain or lose elevation) to track your elevation. The elevation data is available in the app, in Activity. The following products use the altimeter for constant elevation tracking: ScanWatch 2.
