Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why isn't there altitude/elevation data in my FIT file?

Not all devices record altitude/elevation data, so it may not be present in a FIT file.

For example, Garmin's Forerunner 10 and 15 GPS watches do not record or display elevation. Instead, when an activity is uploaded to Garmin Connect, altitude/elevation data is looked-up for each GPS position in the file and an elevation profile is generated. To mimic this behaviour Google's Elevation API can be used to achieve the same effect.

To check whether altitude/elevation data is contained in a FIT file, you can use the phpFITFileReader's show_debug() function and see which fields are present in record messages.

###Which Devices and Sensors has php-FIT-File-Reader been tested with? Devices

• Garmin Edge 500
• Garmin Forerunner 110
• Garmin Forerunner 310XT
• Garmin Forerunner 910XT

Sensors

• Garmin Cadence and Speed
• Garmin Foot Pod (cadence)
• Garmin Heart Rate Strap (soft material version)
• Stages Power Meter If you have a different device or sensor and would like to submit a file for testing, please get in touch or create an issue on the GitHub project page!

###Where are my FIT files? You may find your FIT files in one of two locations:

• On the GPS device in the folder Garmin > Activities (plug it into your computer using a USB cable).
• C:\ drive > Users > Username > Application Data > Garmin > Devices > Device Number > Activities.