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Elevation Accuracy on an Edge Cycling Computer
Edge® cycling computers that feature a barometric altimeter use this sensor to calculate elevation during an activity. This sensor can be calibrated manually at the beginning of an activity to ensure the elevation is accurate. The following content provides reasoning behind the potential cause of the elevation reading being inaccurate.
NOTE: The standard area of accuracy is +/-10 meters. This accuracy is for any given reading during an activity, not the total elevation gain/loss at the end of an activity.
What Can Affect Barometric Altimeter Accuracy?
Changes in Air Pressure
Fluctuations in weather produce the most significant changes in air pressure. For example, when a storm is moving in, the sudden drop in air pressure may simulate the effects of moving to a higher elevation. Similarly, changes in air pressure occur when moving from indoors to outdoors and vice versa, particularly when moving in and out of climate-controlled buildings.
Changes in Ambient Air Temperature
Since barometric altimeters are not temperature-compensated, changes in ambient air temperature can affect altimeter accuracy. If drastic changes in ambient temperature are experienced, calibrating the altimeter will restore accuracy.
Other Factors
Additional factors that can affect the barometric altimeter accuracy include:
Where the device is mounted on the bike (we recommend the use of a Garmin mounting accessory placed near the handlebars of the bike)
Group vs. solo riding
Road traffic
Covering the device with stickers or a case (if you cover the barometric port, which is a tiny hole generally found on the back or side of the device, this will negatively affect accuracy)
Can I Clean the Barometer Port on My Device?
There are small holes generally found on the back or side of the device which lead to the barometric altimeter sensor. If these holes are obstructed it may interfere with the device's ability to measure elevation properly. Rinse the device under running water then allow it to air dry.
IMPORTANT: Do not stick anything into these holes (including canned air) as this can result in damage.
The location of the barometer port varies by model. Below show the location on the Edge 540/840 series, and the 1040 series as an example.
NOTE: The Edge 1040 barometer is located under the weather cap. This is okay to rinse under water, as long as the USB-C port is completely dry before replacing the weather cap or charging.
| Edge 540/840 | Edge 1040 |
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Calibrating the Altimeter of an Edge
To calibrate the elevation reading manually, select your device below and follow the steps:
Edge® 130 | Edge® 130 Plus: Hold
> Select Sensors > Select Altimeter > Enter elevation, and select 
.Edge® 800 (Page 39)
- Edge® 1050