Measuring mountains.

[Gwyther]

I am currently out exploring and I have found quite a few big mountains.
What is the best way to determine the height of one? I've done a search and found that one way is to use the ship's altimeter. You fly to the peak, level your ship then back off until your altitude stops increasing. This gives a rough height estimate.
Is this the best way to measure height?
Thanks.

 

[Caydran]

You could always lay on the boost thrusters until you get as high as the mountain, then fall back down and hit them again just before touchdown, for a soft landing.

It's called, believe it or not, flying.

 

[Factabulous]

Drive to the top in your srv. Simples

 

[Ian Doncaster]

Is this the best way to measure height?

Best way to do it with just one of you:
- reach the peak of the mountain
- launch and head directly upwards, entering supercruise.
- note your height above ground just before entering supercruise
- when you enter supercruise, the altimeter will switch from "height above ground" to "height above [1] base planetary level". Note the first reading that gives.
- subtract last height above ground from first height above BPL to get the height of the mountain itself.

With a team you might be able to get a slightly better measurement with wing beacons, distance measures, and trigonometry that won't rely on you hitting the screenshot keys at exactly the right time.

[1] Or below, if you enter supercruise from a really deep crater.

 

[Quantis Trap]

I want to measure the depth of caves in Elite Dangerous some day. Wonder if I'll every get to do that.

 

[Arioch]

I want to measure the depth of caves in Elite Dangerous some day. Wonder if I'll every get to do that.

I believe caves will only be appearing on worlds with thick enough atmospheres - not for the simulated geological erosion, but for the time honoured gentleman’s method of gauging depth: hrrrrnnnnnkkk*, grrrottch’, flob” and then count until the splat is heard.

*(from the back of the nose)
‘(from the back of the throat)
“(from the gob)

 

[Gwyther]

I believe caves will only be appearing on worlds with thick enough atmospheres - not for the simulated geological erosion, but for the time honoured gentleman’s method of gauging depth: hrrrrnnnnnkkk*, grrrottch’, flob” and then count until the splat is heard.

*(from the back of the nose)
‘(from the back of the throat)
“(from the gob)

Ewwwww.... lol

 

[NorthernDevo]

I am currently out exploring and I have found quite a few big mountains.
What is the best way to determine the height of one? I've done a search and found that one way is to use the ship's altimeter. You fly to the peak, level your ship then back off until your altitude stops increasing. This gives a rough height estimate.
Is this the best way to measure height?
Thanks.

The easiest way is with a team-mate but I think you can do it with a fighter - I'd have to try it out. Switch-to then deploy the fighter, then switch-back and land the mother ship at the base of the mountain. Switch to the fighter, fly up to the level of the mountain (and hope it's not taller than 25K lol) then measure the distance between you and the ship. If the mountain's taller than that you will likely need a partner, but that shouldn't be too much of an issue - open your ship for Multicrew then explain to whever jumps into the seat what you want.
Cheers!