Using GPS for Altitude Sensing

Until version 4.1, ArduPilot required a barometer altitude sensor in order to boot up. Now, it is possible to boot an autopilot without barometer present, and use GPS (outdoor use) or other altitude sensor (rangefinder, range beacon) for indoor use.

Warning

Without a barometer as a backup sensor, loss of the primary altitude sensor can result in a crash if in an altitude holding mode or autonomous mode. Be prepared to switch to a non altitude holding mode in case of loss of primary sensor.

Setup for using a non Baro Source for Altitude Measurement

If using EKF2:

• Set the EK2_ALT_SOURCE parameter to 2 (GPS).

If using EKF3:

• Set EK3_SRC1_POSZ, EK3_SRC2_POSZ, and EK3_SRC3_POSZ parameters to 3 (GPS).

In addition:

• Set AHRS_GPS_USE to 2 (Use GPS for DCM position and height).