Abstract
Determining the correct height of mountain peaks is vital for tourism, but it is also important as a reference point for devices equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System), e.g., watches or car navigation systems. The peak altitude data are part of geographic and geodetic information. As more modern technologies and equipment become available, their precisions should increase. However, verification of peak heights is usually only conducted for the highest, well-known mountains—lower peaks or mountain passes are rarely verified. Therefore, this study focuses on an investigation of 12 altitude points on a section of the longest and most famous touristic trail in Poland (the Main Beskid Trail), located in the Orava–Żywiec Beskids Mts (Mountains). The aim of this research is to measure and verify the heights of the 12 selected mountain peaks, in addition to evaluating the chosen methods based on the quality of the obtained data and determining their suitability and opportunities for use in further research. Measurements were obtained at the most specific height points—on the 12 highest points of the summits. This study compares two modern measurement techniques: the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The obtained results were later compared with those widely used on the internet and in printed materials (period covered: 1884–2015). This analysis demonstrates that lesser-known objects are rarely the subject of remeasurement and significant altitude errors may occur, primarily because the heights originated from a source in the past when modern methods were not available. Our findings indicate that the heights of the peaks presented in cartographic materials are inaccurate. The assumed heights should be corrected by direct measurements using modern techniques.
Highlights
Mountain peaks have always been of interest to researchers as the subject poses as a challenge for those who have attempted to measure and standardise them in the past [1,2,3,4]
A literature review was conducted based on 20 sources (Table 2) that included maps, books, guidebooks and the internet; it included the sources of these data and the years of creation, which covered the period from 1884 to 2015
The altitudes obtained from the literature review were compared with the results from the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and direct global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements (Figure 5)
Summary
Mountain peaks (and their altitudes) have always been of interest to researchers as the subject poses as a challenge for those who have attempted to measure and standardise them in the past [1,2,3,4]. Measurement methods and techniques have changed and developed over the years [5,6], leading to more accurate measurements [7] and, more accurate determination of peak altitudes. New data on the peak altitudes have emerged, primarily due to the development of several modern geodetic height determination methods, such as the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The GNSS has been used to determine the precise altitudes of many globally recognised peaks, such as Mount.
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