Altimeter apps have become a very helpful tool among hikers, mountain climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. These apps use sensors on your smartphone to measure the altitude of your current location, providing valuable information about your surroundings and helping you to stay safe while exploring the great outdoors.
What is an Altimeter?
If you want to know what this is and why it is useful for outdoor activities, we’ve got you covered. An altimeter is a device that measures the altitude of an object, such as a mountain or an airplane. It works by measuring the atmospheric pressure at a given location and using this information to calculate the altitude.
In the past, altimeters were mainly found in specialized equipment such as aircraft altimeters or wristwatches. However, with the advent of smartphone technology, it is now possible to use your phone as an altimeter as well.
In this article on Naijaknowhow, we will take a look at an overview of some of the best altimeter apps currently available in the mobile market. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, these applications can be a valuable tools for enhancing your outdoor adventures. Without further ado, let’s get started.
List of the Best Altimeter Apps for Android and iOS
Besides providing information about your altitude, these apps can also help you to navigate unfamiliar territory. Many altimeter apps include features such as maps, compasses, and waypoint markers, which can help you to find your way and stay on track while engaging in outdoor activities. Keep reading so we can find you the perfect tool.
1. GPS Altimeter
GPS Altimeter is a highly precise smart app for measuring altitude, elevation, and localization coordinates during outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and skiing. It is considered one of the best altimeter apps for these types of activities and is able to function both online and offline in a situation you do not have access to the internet.
This app offers a range of features to enhance your outdoor experience. These features include accurate measurement, a smart mini compass, full GPS coordinate support, and measurement charts. If you have an internet connection, you can also view the name and state of your current location. Additionally, the app has a built-in sharing feature that allows you to share altitude photos or export them to other locations.
Pros:
- Offers accurate offline altitude tracking.
- Handy compass for quick and precise navigation.
- Full GPS support with charts for detailed insights.
- Share captivating altitude photos with friends.
- Versatile online/offline functionality for flexibility.
Cons:
- Internet needed for precise location details.
- Data accuracy information is not explicitly provided.
- Potential battery drain during extended outdoor use.
- Learning curve for the interface may be present.
- Has privacy implications with the sharing feature.
2. Accurate Altimeter
Introducing Accurate Altimeter, a highly popular altimeter app available on the Google Play Store. This tool is able to work both with and without an internet connection, providing you with a variety of features such as accurate measurement and historical charts. Accurate Altimeter measures altitude in three different ways which can be seen in-app.
Accurate Altimeter app can be downloaded for free. However, if you want access to additional features, you can upgrade to the Pro version. With the Pro version, you will be able to download a larger area of global elevation, record altitude without using the app, and select an unlimited number of elevations on the map.
Pros:
- Reliable altitude measurement methods.
- Seamless offline/online functionality.
- Offers accurate measurement and historical charts.
- Pro version offers global elevation download.
- Enjoy offline recording and selections on maps.
Cons:
- Pro version required for additional features.
- User experience may vary based on UI preferences.
- Limited customization options in the free version.
- Redundancy in altitude measurement methods.
- Has performance issues in areas with poor GPS.
3. Atmospheric Pressure Barometer
This tool combines an altimeter and barometer and is useful for measuring altitude and atmospheric pressure. It features a built-in GPS, a pressure sensor, and an automatic calibration algorithm. It is known for its accuracy in measuring altitude and barometric pressure. Atmospheric Pressure Barometer is one of the best altimeter apps at this moment.
In addition to altitude and atmospheric pressure, this app also provides current weather data and outside temperatures from the local weather station. It also offers a full range of information such as visibility, wind speed, and humidity. Overall, this app has all the features needed to enhance your outdoor adventure experience.
Pros:
- Offers accurate altitude readings for precision.
- GPS ensures precise location tracking.
- Automatic calibration enhances reliability.
- Comprehensive weather info enriches experience.
- Enhances outdoor adventures with full features.
Cons:
- Relies on local weather data for accuracy.
- Rich features may overwhelm some users.
- GPS usage can impact battery life.
- Complex interface may require adaptation.
- Limited customization options may be restrictive.
4. My Altitude
My Altitude is a reliable altimeter app that utilizes GPS signals from your smartphone to accurately determine your altitude, location, and barometric pressure. It is perfect for hikers, trackers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and can be used offline without an internet connection. If you are participating in outdoor activities, this app is a useful tool to have on hand.
One unique feature of this app is the ability to use NOAA data files to determine your location and altitude. Additionally, you can take and save pictures with the app, which will be stamped with information such as the coordinates of your current location, the local date and time, and your altitude. These pictures are readily available to you at any time.
Pros:
- Reliably determines altitude using smartphone GPS.
- Works offline for outdoor activities.
- Utilizes NOAA data for accurate location info.
- Photo stamping with coordinates, date, and altitude.
- Handy for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cons:
- GPS reliance may be less accurate in urban areas.
- Offline mode limits real-time updates.
- NOAA data dependency may impact performance.
- Photo stamping adds to storage usage.
- Has occasional lag during data processing.
5. Commander Compass Go
Next up, we have Commander Compass Go, which is primarily a powerful offline GPS app for only iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads. This app offers a wide range of features, including a gyrocompass, speedometer, altimeter, GPS receiver, and more. It marks a spot as one of the best altimeter apps to use on smartphones.
Commander Compass Go is a versatile app that can do many things, such as saving your custom locations and displaying detailed GPS information. It also allows you to measure distance and angle, navigate to saved places and waypoints, and track multiple targets at the same time. In fact, you can even track the positions of celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars.
Pros:
- The app provides offline GPS strength.
- Versatile gyrocompass, speedometer.
- Custom location saving, detailed GPS insights.
- Distance/angle measurement, easy navigation tools.
- It offers a unique celestial body tracking.
Cons:
- It’s iOS exclusive, limiting accessibility.
- Complex interface, potential learning curve.
- Sensor-dependent accuracy challenges.
- Excessive advanced features for some.
- May overwhelm casual users with options.
6. Altimeter: Elevation, Compass
This app makes it easy and convenient to track your altitude, location, and geographic coordinates. It’s useful for a variety of activities such as running, hiking, and trekking, and it even allows you to add this information to your photos. Many people have found it helpful for monitoring their altitude, direction, and pressure while on the go.
The app not only provides altitude and geographic coordinates, but it also includes a compass mode to help you track your location and direction. This feature can be especially useful during travel or outdoor adventures. And, if you want to share your experiences with others, you can take picturesque photos and include information such as an address and altitude.
Pros:
- Convenient tracking for various activities.
- Compass mode aids outdoor navigation.
- Photo integration for detailed sharing.
- Real-time monitoring of altitude and direction.
- Easy experience sharing with detailed photos.
Cons:
- Significant battery drain from GPS usage.
- Inaccuracies in areas with poor GPS connectivity.
- Privacy concerns with precise location sharing.
- Overwhelming interface with multiple features.
- Limited functionality without real-time GPS.
7. Travel Altimeter & Elevation
This app stands out by providing users with the ability to measure both current elevation and altitude, thereby empowering them to make informed adjustments to their activities based on accurate and real-time data. Beyond the basic altimeter functionalities, it incorporates a barometer, facilitating the tracking of altitude changes with remarkable precision by correlating them to pressure variations.
What sets this app apart is its design, offering a seamless and intuitive experience. Dive into a plethora of features that enhance your overall usage, including a highly accurate GPS system, ensuring your location is pinpointed with utmost precision. Not stopping there, this app surprises users with a built-in flashlight, adding an extra layer of utility.
Pros:
- Offers an intuitive user-friendly design.
- It features an advanced barometer and precise GPS.
- Real-time elevation and altitude data accuracy.
- Built-in flashlight for added convenience.
- Pinpoint location with utmost precision.
Cons:
- Initial learning curve for some users.
- Potential battery drain from continuous GPS use.
- Limited customization options for interface.
- Altitude tracking affected by weather changes.
- Possible compatibility issues with certain devices.
Conclusion
Altimeter apps can be particularly helpful in areas where traditional altimeters are not available or not reliable, such as in high-altitude or remote locations. Nevertheless, while they can be helpful for navigating the wilderness, it’s important to remember that they are not always 100% accurate and should not be relied upon solely for navigation and safety.
