Can a barometer be used as an altimeter? why or why not ?

Question

Can a barometer be used as an altimeter? why or why not ?

Answer 1

An altimeter is a barometer.  so yes, it can be used.  Of course, an altimeter is calibrated more finely and in altitude versus pressure.  

In order to be accurate, the altimeter needs to be calibrated. That's why the local pressure of the destination airport is given to a pilot on approach - at least that's how it worked in the "old days"... :)  You would hear "...altimeter 29.92..." as part of the airport advisory message as an example.

Answer 2

yes. a barometer measures pressure and pressure can be used to determine height.

Answer 3

Yes. Cause atmospheric pressure get less and less the farther you get away from sea-level. They are alitimeters. Although they have to adjusted continually to be accurate. Until around 18,000 MSL for aircraft, then they just go to 29.92

Answer 4

No you can't. A barometer and altimeter are two different things. Altimeters measure altitude and barometers measure air pressure. But you could start going up a mountain and watch the air pressure drop as you increase in altitude.

Answer 5

Barometer's have long been used as altimeters. They do need to be adjusted for local conditions, that is one reason most airports (especially smaller civil aviation facilities) post the altitude prominently on the side of the main hanger.

Astrobuf

Answer 6

I do not think so.Barometer gives the pressure value at a particular level.But an altimeter converts this pressure value into altitude. Pressure value is the output of  a barometrer whereas it is the input for an altimeter.So,both instruments are different.

Answer 7

no. Altitude and air pressure are not related. The weather is too fickle to be stable enough to get an elevation reading based on air pressure.

Answer 8

no because a barometer measures something different than altitude