I assume most decent GPS units have an altimiter built in, no? Can they spit out hill profiles like this, or would I need some type of additional software?

 

Most GPS units can do what you are seeking when combined with the correct software.

Here's the profile from the "Fall Colors" run last year;

 

As Rob said with the proper software most newer GPS can track altitude and map it; however, the accuracy can greatly differ depending on the unit. Most cheaper GPS's will calculate you elevation the same way they calculate you location by triangulating information from numerous satelites. More expensive models will typically have an altimeter built into them to provide more accuracy. For mapping trails you really don't need a few foot accuracy on you altitude IMO.

 

Ah, that's good to know. I want it to map out bicycling routes, including distance and elevation change... so accuracy is pretty important. I don't need it to be within 1' accurate, but I do need it to be within, say, 10' of acurate.

 

I think that on a GPS without the altimeter, the elevation is the least accurate reading. It seems to me that speed and location are near perfect, but to get a very accurate elevation reading, a GPS with a "sensing" altimeter is needed. I purchased the Garmin GPS 60CS because it included a few more features (altimeter) than the 60C.

 

Etrex summit can do that.

Lamm

 

yea, that's the one I was looking at.


Plus, with a name like Summit, it had better be able to do that kind of thing, and it had better have a true altimeter built in.