For mountain lovers it can be very useful to know the altitude of the point that has been reached, so that progress in dedicated physical activities (such as hiking) can be followed or this data can be shared on social networks. Our smartphones are able to reveal altitude immediately thanks to the GPS functionality, but the various navigation applications available do not display it for convenience: too much data runs the risk of confusing users and distracting them from driving or riding.
Since the altitude information is already inside the device, all we have to do is use some specialized apps so that we can accurately measure the altitude with our trusty walking or battle smartphone.
Measure altitude on smartphones
As mentioned in the introduction, although this information is already available in the mobile phone’s GPS data, it is never shown in the most famous navigation applications (Waze, Google Maps, etc.), being seen as useless data to display. . Using the reviewed applications we can immediately obtain the altitude of a certain place.
My Altitude (Android and iOS)
The first interesting application to measure altitude with your smartphone is My Altitude, available for free for Android and iPhone.
This application uses GPS data to obtain the altitude of the point where we are, also providing the geographical coordinates and some very useful barometric indications for those who go to the mountains. Other interesting functions are the calculation of the boiling point of water (which varies according to altitude) and the possibility of downloading the altitude from NOAA maps, although they are optional functions (the application can also be used without an Internet connection).
Altimeter (Android)
Another simple and direct application to see the altitude by sound is Altimeter, available for free exclusively for Android.
With aeronautical-style graphics we can visualize the altitude of the point where we are, calculate the altitude of a certain place and control the change in altitude during a trip or physical activity, so that we can obtain useful physical data to understand the effort made to go up or down a mountain. Other functions include calculating altitude using NASA’s shuttle radar, precision barometer, and internet-free operation (very useful if we are in a mountainous area with no cellular signal).
GPS Altimeter (iPhone)
One of the best applications that we can use on the iPhone to measure altitude is the GPS Altimeter, available exclusively.
The application provides, in addition to an accurate GPS altimeter, various measuring instruments such as compass, speedometer, pedometer (step calculation), integrated weather service, map, torch and SOS button. In fact, it will become an indispensable travel companion if we venture to the highest heights of a mountain range: thanks to the SOS button we can call for help at any time and automatically provide the GPS position, the altitude and the route taken to get there, to help rescuers get to our point.
Altimeter Ler (Android)
If you are a professional climber or looking for an application to do rescue work in the mountains, the only application that we recommend you try is Altimeter Ler, available exclusively for Android.
The application shows a whole series of geographical, barometric and altimetric data in the upper part of the interface, with a real map of the route taken or the point where we want to obtain the altitude. The application is really complete and can also replace instruments dedicated to means of transport, thanks to the phone’s GPS system and the constantly updated maps and data that can be downloaded over the Internet (without a connection we can continue to obtain useful data on the top and use the cached map).
Barometer and Altimeter Pro (iPhone)
If you are looking for an application with an altimeter and a barometer that is easy to use, with a pleasant interface and above all without advertising, we recommend that you install Barometer & Altimeter Pro, available exclusively for iPhone.
With several quadrants to test, it will allow us to obtain precise information on the altitude of the point where we are, indications on the pressure (barometer) and the reflection on the meteorological conditions that can affect the area (sudden pressure drops are always synonymous with rain), using both internal GPS data and data available over the internet, although the app works great even in mundane scenarios without any active connection.
Conclusions
Although altitude might be useless information in most scenarios where a map or navigation system is used (and this is partly true), these important data become very important when associated with hiking and mountaineering, where always knowing the altitude can make the difference between a calm and carefree situation and a dangerous and unpredictable situation.
