| Altimeters are great tools to provide outdoor | | | | A useful feature that can be found on some |
| enthusiasts with interesting, and sometimes | | | | altimeters is temperature compensation. This will |
| essential, altitudinal information. A handheld | | | | keep changes in temperature from affecting |
| altimeter can not only supply you with a reading | | | | accurate readings and is a must have for harsh |
| of your present altitude for navigational purposes, | | | | weather conditions. Less expensive units that do |
| but many models will also offer an array of | | | | not have this attribute can be much less effective |
| additional, handy features. | | | | in many climates, or when simply transferred |
| Altimeters are available as simple standalone units | | | | from a pocket to the open air. |
| or can contain varied collections of digital devices | | | | A good altimeter will also have a good range of |
| in one unit. Although the basic function of an | | | | measure. A quality device will measure from |
| altimeter is to indicate your vertical position in | | | | around -1,371 feet, which is the lowest land point |
| relation to sea level, some will give GPS, time, | | | | on Earth, to around 29,000 feet, the height of |
| temperature and barometer readings as well as | | | | Mount Everest. While you may never need these |
| having data storage capacity. Most modern units | | | | extremes, it never hurts to have the capability. |
| are digital, although some analog products are also | | | | More importantly, you want to have the smallest |
| available for those who prefer them. | | | | possible increments of measure. Some of the |
| Regardless of what features you might desire in a | | | | better ones have a resolution of less than 10 feet. |
| handheld altimeter, there are certain basic | | | | If strict accuracy is a major consideration, the |
| characteristics you should definitely consider. If | | | | best bet is to have one that will use a |
| you are considering purchasing one, a good place | | | | combination of barometric and GPS technology. |
| to start is by listing the possible situations you | | | | These provide the most accurate readings under |
| may encounter and look for a system that will | | | | a wide variety of conditions. |
| meet all of the requirements you may anticipate. | | | | |