SummitGPX Help Center

Understanding GPX

Elevation data

Understand original and terrain-generated route elevation.

Elevation is the height at a course point. A GPX may contain a height for every point, for only some points, or none. Heights in GPX are stored in meters even if you display the route in feet.

Why sources differ

Recorded GPS, barometric devices and terrain models can produce different heights. Noise, missing data and smoothing affect ascent totals. Two apps can therefore report different climbing for the same horizontal course.

What SummitGPX does

Useful original elevation is retained. If elevation is missing or unsuitable, terrain data can supply it. The route’s organizer information identifies the source. Terrain preparation may require background processing in a new area.

Generated elevation changes heights at the existing course positions; it does not redraw the course. Check both the map and profile after processing.

What to check

  • Unexpected spikes or flat sections.
  • Ascent/descent that is implausible for the terrain.
  • Checkpoint heights and leg climbing after route changes.