When it comes to the technology behind how altimeter watches work, you are limited to essentially two choices - those that calculate altitude by GPS and those that use barometric pressure.

I'll discuss the specifics of each type of altimeter watch in the next few paragraphs. To summarize the difference between the two, GPS altimeter watches use map datum based on position (this position is communicated to a satellite). The majority of barometric altimeter watches use air pressure to determine altitude. This is the original method (by original, the initially discovered method) and the most common method for a watch to determine elevation.

If your altimeter watch is GPS enabled, the way it calculates altitude is by sending your latitude and longitude to a satellite, which likely communicates with the manufacturer and returns your altitude, among a number of other data points. Because of this GPS altimeter watches are considered to be more accurate that their barometric watch counterparts. Not having to recalibrate is one of the obvious benefits to owning a GPS enabled altimeter watch. However, one of the downsides is your position and altitude is often subject to terrain - on flat, open terrain you will have near perfect communication with the satellite. However, in mountainous terrain, particularly in a canyon or gorge, you will often have poor satellite signal, resulting in inaccurate latitude and longitude positioning. Obviously, this results in somewhat questionable accuracy of your elevation. Examples of GPS enable altimeter watches are the Forerunner 305 or the Suunto X10.

99% of altimeter watches on the market use barometric pressure to determine altitude. The calculation is very simple and can be found by googling "barometric pressure to altitude conversion". This calculation is stored on the internal software on the altimeter watch. Because barometric pressure altimeter watches use outdoor conditions to determine altitude, the accuracy of the elevation readout is often skewed by changing weather conditions. Because of this, you need to calibrate your altimeter watch when beginning your outdoor activity, then re-calibrate frequently at known points. The mostly widely bought altimeter watch manufacturers are Suunto and HighGear.

The entry price point for GPS enabled altimeter watches is around $250. While a bit more expensive than the barometric pressure altimeter watch (lowest price of around $100) often GPS altimeter watches come with many features, such as trip distance, not in their barometric counterparts. When looking for a watch compare carefully the individual watch feature set that best matches your needs.

Learn more about the types of Altimeter Watches. Stop by Anthony Edward's site where you can find out all about the best altimeter watch for your needs.

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There seems to be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about what an altimeter watch is. There are a significant number of manufacturers and outdoor retailers selling them, and marketing them by other names such as GPS watch, digital compass, etc. The simplest description is that an altimeter watch is a watch that allows the wearer to measure how high you are compared to sea level (your altitude).

A few years ago there was only a limited set of altimeter watch manufacturers. These days, you have your choice from major watch brands like Nike, to many smaller ones. Quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and watch to watch, but generally you are safe if you stick with Suunto or High Gear. These manufacturers not only have been around the longest, but they offer the best, most personal return and refund policies. You should expect an altimeter watch to cost you from fifty to three hundred USD, depending on the feature set you are looking for.

Altimeter watches are actually small, digital barometers. They function by detecting barometric pressure and calculate altitude by employing a formula against the barometric pressure. Because this is the calculation, it is important to always calibrate altitude against known positions when the weather is changing. Calibration is easy on almost every altimeter watch, but refer to your watch guide for exact instructions.

Are you a skier, mountain biker, skydiver, or hiker? If so, an altimeter watch may be for you. Knowing your elevation can be critical for each of these activities - especially as a safety precaution.

In summary, an altimeter watch just is a watch that measures your altitude - a very useful piece of information as you get outside. Hopefully this article will gave you some things to think about when buying your next watch.

If you want to find more Altimeter Watch information, then visit Tony Berwald's site on how to choose the best Altimeter Watch for your needs.

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