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<DIV><FONT size=2>I have used a Suunto watch altimeter since 2000. As someone
said, the altimeter is only as good as its barometric calibration. In recent
years I have started carrying a Garmin 60cs gps which also includes a barometric
altimeter. Same problem. Sometimes I recalibrate it several times a day. This
brings up another problem.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2>Many trails have the altitude at milepoints. I have found the
reported altitudes to be incorrect many times (Usually after I have recalibrated
my altimeter). So I started using the topo lines on maps as suggested by Jerry.
But I find the maps are also inaccurate at times. One example on the Tahoe Rim
Trail - My gps location plotted on the map showed me on the south
side of a small ravine. The map showed the trail north of the small ravine.
I have also found that the base USGS maps that underlie most maps are not
consistent between different scales. The inconsistency may be related to the
ages of the maps. On older maps the topo lines as well as the trails were
hand drawn. The USGS only updates these base maps based on demand. We found base
maps that haven't been updated since the 1920's.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2>In the end you have to use your good judgment about where you
are on a map and what your elevation is. Good judgment seems to grow with
experience </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2>Ken</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>