[Closed] Elevation differences in Strava and Komoot

Interpolation errors. Most basemaps have 10 m intervals. Apps like Strava will store and learn better resolution vertical height changes from people's data. But the total elevation is a sum, not a mean, so all the little ups and downs can add up to much larger numbers. Whereas if you only sum >10 m intervals you'll get a lower total.

If you really want to know a best estimate elevation climbed (and lost) you need to do the route with a barometer adjusted GPS reciever (and not just your phone).

Actually there isn't really a true total elevation change, as the sum elevation depends on the scale you are looking at. It's like the question of how long a coastline is, mathematically 'fractals'. Probably not the answer you were looking for 😉

Thanks for the info. It wasn’t the simplest answer I was looking for no. 😄

It’s good to know though when I replace my current GPS watch to get one that is barometer adjuster.

👍

Interpolation errors. Most basemaps have 10 m intervals. Apps like Strava will store and learn better resolution vertical height changes from people’s data. But the total elevation is a sum, not a mean, so all the little ups and downs can add up to much larger numbers. Whereas if you only sum >10 m intervals you’ll get a lower total.

I'm not even sure that is true, you're proportionally as likely to cross and re-cross a contour line as you are to go up and down but never cross one. although I guess the exception is when cresting a hill or descending into a valley you never top/bottom out on a map above/below the last contour line.

It’s good to know though when I replace my current GPS watch to get one that is barometer adjuster.

They're even worse, when the weather changes or the sun goes down you gain or lose hundreds of meters as the air density suddenly changes!

I've noticed there's been some significant elevation data tweaks on Strava since the new website route builder came online.