====== How to work with elevation data in Locus? ======
----

Elevation data are necessary for many aspects of work with Locus:
  * base of calculation of route **elevation gain** when [[manual:user_guide:tracks:planning|planning. ]]
  * definition of **elevation of [[manual:user_guide:points|point objects]]** (POIs, geocaches...)
  * database for **[[manual:user_guide:maps_settings#dynamic_elevation|dynamic elevation tool]]** (displays elevation on the position of the map cursor)
  * database for rendering **[[manual:user_guide:maps_settings#map_shading|terrain shading]]**
  * filling elevation of imported **[[manual:user_guide:items|Map items]]** in case the file contains at least one route
  * **elevation of routes** calculated by [[manual:user_guide:functions:navigation:settings|external navigation engines]] (BRouter, YOURS, ..)
  * **[[manual:user_guide:tools:altitude|altitude optimization]]**
  * elevation gain displayed with **[[manual:user_guide:functions:guidance|guiding lines]]** or lines to GPS location
  * database necessary for **[[manual:user_guide:tools:altitude#pressure_sensor|pressure sensor calibration]]**
  * calculation of **[[manual:user_guide:tracks:planning#estimated_travel_time|Trip time]]**
<WRAP center round important>
Please do not confuse with **current altitude** that is obtained from GPS data together with values from the barometric pressure meter in your device (if applicable), [[manual:user_guide:tools:altitude|see more >>]]. Current altitude values are also used for calculating elevation gain in recorded tracks.
</WRAP>
===== Where to get them? =====
To use all features above, it is necessary to **download elevation data**. There are a few methods on how to get them: 
==== Offline maps ====
LoMaps and other offline maps from our map partners offered in [[manual:user_guide:locus_store:about|Locus Store]] in packages cover the whole World. **Each map package contains elevation data that can be downloaded separately for free:**\\ {{ :manual:faq:elevdata.png?nolink |}}

==== Creating or editing a point of interest ====
  * [[manual:user_guide:points:add|Add a new point of interest]] or open detail screen of an existing point located in the area that we want to cover with elevation data
  * find //Elevation// field and if it is empty, tap the button GET next to it
==== Group of points ====
  * select points (check them) in a desired point folder
  * tap {{:manual:user_guide:ic_arrow_simple_up_alt.png?nolink&30|}}More and {{:manual:user_guide:ic_fill_altitude_alt.png?nolink&30|}}Fill elevation in bottom panel

==== Track or route ====
  * open a track/route detail screen
  * tap {{:manual:user_guide:ic_arrow_simple_up_alt.png?nolink&30|}}More and {{:manual:user_guide:ic_fill_altitude_alt.png?nolink&30|}}Fill elevation in bottom panel

<WRAP center round info>
==== Custom elevation data sources ====
  * **[[http://viewfinderpanoramas.org/dem3.html|Viewfinderpanoramas.org]]** - SRTM3 data enhanced in mountainous and polar areas. Resolution 3".
  * **[[https://sonny.4lima.de/|Sonny's LiDAR Models of European Countries]]** - very accurate data obtained from LiDAR mapping missions, covering many European countries. Resolutions 1" and 3”.
  * store the data in Locus/data/srtm directory and **restart the app**
</WRAP>


===== Map shading =====

Map or terrain shading serves better readability of the displayed terrain relief. Locus offers three modes:
  * **hill shading** - simulating covering of the landscape by sun shade
  * **slopes** - highlighting slope gradients of >30°, >35° and >40
  * **colored elevation** - elevation levels are differed by colors (e.g. lowlands are green, mountains brown).
==== Instructions ====

Go to <wrap box>Settings > Maps > Advanced > Map shading > Enable (select which type of map should display the shading)</wrap>

[[manual:user_guide:maps_settings#map_shading|More about map shading settings >>]]