Activity Elevation Readings in Garmin Connect

Garmin Connect will provide elevation information in an uploaded activity in a couple of different ways:

Elevation Gain: This reading will display the total amount of ascent that was recorded for an activity

Elevation: A graphical plot will indicate the elevation reading at any given moment during the activity

Where does this information come from?

The answer to this question depends on the type of device that you have. 

Devices that feature a barometric altimeter: Devices that have this sensor measure changes in air pressure to determine your elevation.  This information is recorded during your activity and is used to report elevation related metrics in Garmin Connect

Non-barometric altimeter devices: Devices that do not have this sensor will rely upon Garmin Connect to provide elevation information.  The GPS data gathered from your activity is calculated using professional surveys which contains elevation plots.  This allows Garmin Connect to give you an estimated elevation reading for the activity that you recorded.  

Why am I not seeing elevation information in my activity?

The most common reason why you would not see elevation information in your recorded activity is if you either A) did not record GPS data during your activity or B) you have a device that does not feature a GPS antenna.