GPS accuracy depends on several factors:

• Satellite Visibility: GPS requires a clear view of the sky. Buildings, dense forests, deep valleys, and mountains can obstruct satellite signals.
• Weather Conditions: Heavy cloud cover, rain, or snow can slightly degrade GPS signals.
• Device Hardware: Different devices have varying GPS chip quality and antenna designs.
• Cold Start vs. Warm Start: The first GPS fix after opening the app takes longer (cold start). Subsequent fixes are faster (warm start).

Tips for Better Accuracy:

• Wait 1-2 minutes for GPS to stabilize when first starting the app
• Ensure Location Services are enabled in your device settings
• Use the app in open areas when possible for critical measurements
• Keep your device's operating system and Altitudo updated

GPS Altitude:

• Calculated using satellite triangulation
• Less accurate than horizontal position (typically ±15-30 meters)
• Affected by satellite geometry and signal quality
• Works anywhere with GPS signal

Barometric Altitude:

• Calculated using atmospheric pressure measurements
• More accurate for relative altitude changes (±3-5 meters)
• Requires calibration to sea-level pressure
• Affected by weather systems and temperature

Altitudo's Approach: We combine both GPS and barometric data to provide the most accurate altitude readings possible, automatically selecting the best source based on signal quality and conditions.

This is normal GPS behavior called "GPS drift" or "jitter." Even when stationary, GPS coordinates can vary slightly due to:

• Satellite positions constantly changing in orbit
• Atmospheric conditions affecting signal travel time
• Multipath interference (signals bouncing off surfaces)
• Normal GPS accuracy limits (typically 3-5 meters)

Altitudo uses intelligent filtering to minimize this effect and provides more stable readings.

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude following a predictable pattern. Altitudo uses this relationship to calculate altitude from pressure:

• Standard Atmosphere: At sea level, pressure is typically 1013.25 hPa. For every 8 meters of elevation gain, pressure drops approximately 1 hPa.
• Weather Systems: Passing high or low-pressure systems can change the pressure at your location without you changing altitude, which can affect readings.
• Temperature Effects: Air temperature affects density, which slightly influences pressure-altitude calculations.

Best Practices:

• Altitudo automatically adjusts for weather-related pressure changes using GPS and weather data
• For most accurate results, allow the app a few minutes to calibrate when first starting
• Barometric altitude is most reliable for tracking relative elevation changes during your activity

If you're using barometric altitude, weather systems can affect readings:

• Low Pressure System: When a low-pressure system moves in, the pressure drops, making your altitude appear higher than it actually is.
• High Pressure System: When a high-pressure system arrives, pressure increases, making your altitude appear lower.

Altitudo's Solution: We continuously monitor weather data and GPS to compensate for these pressure changes, providing stable altitude readings even during changing weather.

Pressure Altitude is the altitude displayed when your altimeter is set to standard sea-level pressure (1013.25 hPa/29.92 inHg). It's important for:

• Aviation: Ensures all aircraft use the same reference altitude for separation
• Weather Analysis: Provides a standardized altitude for comparing pressure readings
• Mountaineering: Helps understand actual elevation vs. pressure-indicated elevation

Altitudo calculates and displays pressure altitude alongside true altitude for comprehensive altitude information.

Location access is essential for Altitudo's core functionality:

• Altitude Tracking: Calculate your elevation using GPS coordinates
• Weather Data: Provide location-specific weather forecasts and conditions
• Astronomy Events: Calculate accurate sunrise, sunset, moon phases for your location
• Safety Alerts: Monitor your position for weather and environmental warnings

Privacy Commitment: Your location data stays on your device. We don't track your movements or share your location with third parties.

"While Using App":

• Location tracked only when app is open and visible
• Background monitoring and safety alerts won't work
• Best for casual use when you're actively checking the app

"Always Allow" (Recommended for full features):

• Enables continuous safety monitoring
• Receives timely weather warnings and UV alerts
• Astronomy notifications for sunrise/sunset
• Activity tracking even when screen is off

Battery Impact: Our smart monitoring technology is designed to minimize battery usage while keeping you safe.

Notifications are critical for your safety:

• Weather Warnings: Alert you to approaching storms, high winds, or dangerous conditions
• UV Exposure: Notify you when UV levels become dangerous
• Astronomy Events: Remind you of sunset times to avoid being caught in darkness
• Safety Alerts: Warn about rapid pressure changes or severe weather

You can customize which notifications you receive in the app's settings.

Works Offline:

• GPS location and altitude tracking
• Barometric pressure readings
• Basic compass and coordinates
• Previously loaded astronomy data

Requires Internet:

• Weather forecasts and current conditions
• UV index data
• Map backgrounds
• Weather radar and satellite imagery

Tip: For remote adventures, check weather forecasts before leaving cellular coverage. GPS and altitude tracking will continue working offline.

Altitudo uses professional weather data sources to provide reliable forecasts:

• Current Conditions: Updated in real-time based on your location
• Hourly Forecasts: Generally accurate for 12-24 hours ahead
• Daily Forecasts: Reliable trends for 5-7 days ahead

Mountain Weather Note: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts regularly and be prepared for sudden changes, especially above treeline.

Altitudo monitors your UV exposure intelligently:

• Activity Detection: Tracks when you're moving outdoors during daylight
• UV Index Monitoring: Combines duration and UV intensity to calculate total exposure
• Smart Alerts: Notifies you when cumulative exposure reaches concerning levels
• Personalized Recommendations: Provides sun protection advice based on your exposure level

Privacy: All tracking happens on your device - we never share your location or activity data.

Check These Settings:

1. App Permissions: Ensure notifications are enabled in your device settings
2. Location Access: "Always Allow" is required for background alerts
3. Battery Optimization: Disable battery optimization for Altitudo (Android)
4. Background App Refresh: Enable this for Altitudo (iOS)
5. In-App Settings: Check that specific notification types are enabled in Altitudo's settings

Smart Notification System: To avoid alert fatigue, Altitudo sends notifications intelligently - you won't receive duplicate alerts for the same condition unless circumstances significantly change.

• Storm Warning: Rapid pressure drop detected - potential storm approaching
• High Wind Alert: Dangerous wind conditions for outdoor activities
• UV Exposure: Your cumulative UV exposure has reached concerning levels
• Low Visibility: Fog or weather reducing visibility for navigation
• Severe Weather: Thunderstorms, blizzards, or other extreme conditions

Each alert includes specific recommendations for staying safe.

Altitudo is designed for battery efficiency, but some features naturally use power:

• GPS Tracking: Continuous location updates require GPS chip usage
• Background Monitoring: Safety alerts require periodic checks
• Sensor Access: Barometer, compass, and other sensors

Battery Optimization Tips:

• Use "While Using App" permission if you don't need background monitoring
• Disable notification types you don't need
• Close the app when not actively hiking/tracking
• Keep your device's OS updated for better battery management

Altitudo supports multiple unit systems:

1. Open Altitudo
2. Go to Settings (gear icon)
3. Select "Units" or "Measurement System"
4. Choose your preferences for:
   • Altitude (Meters / Feet)
   • Temperature (Celsius / Fahrenheit)
   • Wind Speed (km/h / mph / knots)
   • Pressure (hPa / inHg)

Quick Fixes:

1. Wait for GPS: Allow 1-2 minutes for GPS to stabilize
2. Check Location: Move to an area with clear sky visibility
3. Restart App: Close and reopen Altitudo
4. Calibrate: If you know your exact altitude, you can manually calibrate (if available in settings)

Persistent Issues:

• Ensure Location Services are enabled
• Check that your device has a barometer (some models don't)
• Update to the latest version of Altitudo
• Restart your device

Altitudo stores your activity history locally on your device including:

• GPS tracks and waypoints
• Altitude profiles
• Weather conditions during activities
• Notifications and alerts received

Data export features may be available in future updates. Your data never leaves your device unless you explicitly share it.

No! Altitudo is a one-time purchase of just $1.

• All features included
• Lifetime updates
• No hidden fees
• No ads
• No in-app purchases

iOS:

• iPhone with iOS 15.0 or later
• Barometer required for pressure altitude (iPhone 6 and newer)

Android:

• Android 10 (API 30) or later
• Barometer sensor recommended but not required

We're here to help! Contact us at:

• Email: support@altitudo-app.com
• Website: altitudo-app.com

Please include your device model, OS version, and Altitudo version when reporting issues.