How do I Change the Elevation Source in Garmin Connect?

You can change an activity's Elevation Source (previously known as "Elevation Correction") in your Garmin Connect™ account¹ to Professional Survey Data. The default source setting for your device is determined by whether the device used to record the activity has a barometric altimeter.

Why Choose Professional Survey Data if My Device Has a Sensor?

There are a few reasons why you would want to use the professional survey data in Garmin Connect over what was recorded by your device including:

• Your device has a clogged port leading to the sensor, resulting in incorrect readings.

• You recorded your activity when there was an incoming or departing low or high pressure system.

  • This can cause your starting elevation reading to be too high or low. The elevation gain/loss is typically not affected by this.

• You recorded your activity on a windy day.

  • Wind can affect the sensor causing an inaccurate reading. If you are going to record an activity outdoors when it is windy we suggest wearing the sleeve of a shirt or coat over the watch.

Devices With a Barometric Altimeter Sensor

The Elevation Source will be set to "Your Device." Elevation data that is displayed in the activity will be recorded by the sensor in the Garmin device.

Devices Without a Barometric Altimeter Sensor

Professional survey data will be used. Each track-point of your activity is updated to the elevation data from professional survey data in Garmin Connect, since it will be more accurate than the GPS elevation recorded by the device.

How Do I Change the Elevation Source in Garmin Connect?

NOTE: Changing this setting within an activity will only affect the current activity and will not change how Elevation Source settings are applied for future activities.

1. From a web browser, sign in to your Garmin Connect account.

2. Select Activities in the expanded navigation bar on the left.

3. Select All Activities.

4. Click on the name of a saved activity.

5. Select the gear wheel in the upper right corner.

6. Select Change Elevation Source.
   
   

7. Choose your Elevation Source.
8. Select Save.
   
   

Why Are the Elevation Values Different Between Garmin Connect and a Third-Party Website?

If you are using a device without a barometric altimeter sensor, it is normal to see a difference between the elevation values seen in Garmin Connect versus what is displayed in a third-party site (such as Strava). This is because the third-party site very likely uses a different source for their elevation data.

¹ The ability to change your Elevation Source is not available in the Garmin Connect app. It is only available on the Garmin Connect web platform.