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Fēnix 5 Plus Series Barometric Altimeter Calibration Options
The barometric altimeter on the fēnix® 5 plus watches uses GPS elevation and/or uses DEM (Digital Elevation Map) data to provide elevation data dependent on which mode the watch is using. With proper calibration the watch can achieve accuracy of +/-50 feet. Use the information below to determine which calibration options are best for you.
Manual Calibration Options
If the altimeter of fēnix 5 Plus watches is displaying elevation that is more that +/-50 feet off, it should be calibrated. Below are the options for calibrating the altimeter.
- Known Elevation (Yes) - Use this option to calibrate if you know the current elevation. This option offers the most accurate calibration.
- Use DEM - The watch will locate your position through GPS and use the DEM data to get an elevation reading from the map.
- Use GPS - This mode will determine your elevation through GPS triangulation. Elevation calibrated through GPS is accurate to +/-400 feet.
Select Calibrating the Altimeter to learn more.
Calibrating the Altimeter
Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky.
- Hold Up to enter the Main Menu
- Select Settings
- Select Sensors & Accessories
- Select Altimeter
- Select Calibrate
- Select and option and follow onscreen prompts
Auto Calibration Options During Activity
These settings allow you to control how calibration of the altimeter happens while you are in an activity.
- Continuous Mode - During activities the watch uses DEM mapping data, and GPS elevation to offset any altimeter drift due to pressure changes caused by a weather event during an activity. Continuous Mode will allow the watch to calibrate altitude throughout the activity.
- At Start - The watch will use DEM data and GPS location to calibrate the altimeter at the beginning of the activity. It will not calibrate again during the activity.
- Off - The watch will not perform any calibration during or at the start of the activity.
Note: For more information on how barometric pressure effects the altimeter sensor, see Related Content
Setting Auto Calibration
Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky.
- Hold Up to enter the Main Menu
- Select Settings
- Select Sensors & Accessories
- Select Altimeter
- Select Auto Cal.
- Select During Activity
- Select an option
Auto Calibration Not During Activity
These settings allow you to control how calibration of the altimeter happens while the fēnix 5 Plus watches is:
- On - The watch will calibrate the altimeter anytime GPS is acquired by using DEM and your location.
- Off - The watch will not automatically calibrate the altimeter, and manual calibration will need to be used.
Setting Auto Calibration
Calibrating the altimeter should always be done outside with a clear view of the sky.
- Hold Up to enter the Main Menu
- Select Settings
- Select Sensors & Accessories
- Select Altimeter
- Select Auto Cal.
- Select No During Activity
- Toggle On or Off