altimeter technology

An altimeter measures altitude by detecting changes in atmospheric pressure. As an aircraft climbs, air pressure decreases; descending, it increases. The altimeter contains a sensitive sensor, called a pressure transducer, that detects these pressure changes. The device then translates the pressure reading into altitude, displayed on the instrument panel. There are two main types: barometric altimeters, which rely on standard pressure settings and can be adjusted, and radio or radar altimeters, which use radio waves to measure the distance to the ground directly. Altimeters are essential for safe navigation, especially during terrain clearance and adverse weather conditions.