Why doesn’t the elevation in Cadence match my real elevation?
Cadence shows elevation using data reported by your phone’s GPS. While GPS is very accurate for location on a map, elevation works a little differently and can be confusing.
GPS elevation vs. sea level
GPS does not measure elevation directly from “sea level.” Instead, it uses a global mathematical model of the Earth called WGS84. Because the Earth isn’t a perfect sphere, this model doesn’t line up exactly with real-world sea level everywhere on the planet.
As a result, it’s normal for GPS to report an elevation that seems a bit off. For example, you might be standing right at sea level, but your phone could still report an elevation several meters above or below zero. This doesn’t mean your device is broken—it’s just how GPS elevation works.
Differences between iPhone and Android
Phones can also handle GPS elevation slightly differently:
- iPhone (iOS) automatically applies an adjustment to convert GPS elevation into an approximate “above sea level” value.
- Android typically reports the raw GPS elevation without that adjustment.
Because of this, elevation numbers on Android and iOS may not always match exactly, even in the same location.
Why elevation jumps around more than location
Elevation is naturally less accurate than latitude and longitude. Factors like satellite geometry, signal quality, and atmospheric conditions can cause elevation readings to fluctuate more than your position on the map. This is normal behavior for GPS.
Why other apps may show different numbers
Some apps apply extra correction layers, such as terrain databases or elevation models, to adjust GPS data so it more closely matches sea level or known terrain heights. Cadence currently reports the elevation provided by your device’s GPS, without applying those additional corrections.
Applying elevation correction after your activity
After you finish recording, Cadence lets you apply elevation correction to your activity. This replaces the recorded GPS elevation with data from Google’s elevation database, which is based on detailed terrain models. Applying elevation correction can improve the accuracy of elevation profiles, total ascent, and descent—especially if your GPS elevation was noisy or offset.
What does this mean for your activities?
Even if your starting elevation looks a little off, metrics like total ascent and descent are still reliable. These metrics are based on changes in elevation during your activity, not the absolute elevation number. As long as elevation is measured consistently, the climbs and descents you record will be accurate.
