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Google Maps can be a fast way to estimate elevations, but the exact feature you need depends on your goal: one spot vs. a route, and whether you’re on mobile or desktop.
Below are the most reliable ways to find elevation using Google Maps (and the tight Google ecosystem fallback: Google Earth), with step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting when the UI doesn’t show what you expect.
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What Google Maps Can (and Can’t) Show About Elevations
Google Maps does not consistently show a simple “Altitude: 123 m” label when you tap a point. Instead, elevation is typically available through profile-based tools or by switching to Google Earth, where a selected location can display an elevation readout.
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- Elevation profile for a path (best in Google Maps via Measure distance / route tools)
- Single-point elevation (best in Google Earth by reading terrain elevation at a clicked location)
Prerequisites and What You Need
You don’t need special apps to start in Google Maps, but you will get the best results with modern versions of the Google Maps app and an internet connection.
- Google Maps app: updated to the latest version for your device
- Browser: for desktop, use a current Chrome/Edge/Safari version
- Google Earth app (optional but recommended): available for iPhone, iPad, and Android
Method 1: Get Elevation Data in Google Maps Using Measure Distance
If you want elevation changes along a line (a trail segment, a road climb, or a cross-valley route), Measure distance is the most dependable Maps-based method.
On iPhone and iPad (iOS)
- Open Google Maps.
- Search for your starting point (tap the search bar), then tap the result to center the map.
- Tap and hold on the map at the start point to drop a pin.
- Tap the pin details card (or the menu options) and choose Measure distance.
- Tap along the route to place additional points until your line covers the area you care about.
- Look for the elevation profile readout (often shown as a profile/graph and summary numbers).
If you only see total distance and no elevation profile, try rotating your phone orientation, zooming in to the area, or updating the app. Some accounts/regions show elevation differently.
On Android
- Open Google Maps.
- Search for your location and tap it to center the map.
- Press and hold on the starting spot until a pin appears.
- Tap the pin card and select Measure distance.
- Add points by tapping the map to draw the line.
- Review the elevation profile if it’s displayed (graph plus elevation change and/or maximum elevation).
If you don’t see the profile graph, switch to desktop or use Google Earth for single-point elevation.
On Desktop (web browser)
- Go to https://maps.google.com.
- Search for a place, then click to position the map.
- Right-click the map at the starting point and choose Measure distance (wording can vary slightly).
- Click to add points along your route.
- Check for the elevation profile panel or graph, and read the maximum elevation and elevation gain/loss values.
Method 2: Create an Elevation Profile for a Route (Best for Hikes and Drives)
When your goal is “how steep is it?” you want elevation along a path, not just one altitude number. Measure distance works well here, and it’s often easier than clicking individual points.
Interpret the profile readouts
When Google shows an elevation profile, you’ll typically see a graph and summary values. Here’s what to read:
- Elevation gain: how much higher the route becomes overall
- Elevation loss: how much lower it becomes overall
- Max elevation: the highest point along your drawn line
- Min elevation: the lowest point along your drawn line
For hiking planning, compare elevation gain on multiple route options, not just total distance. A short route can still have more climbing than a longer road route.
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If you need an elevation for one exact spot (a driveway entrance, a benchmark location, or a view point), Google Earth is usually the most straightforward option.
Google Earth provides terrain elevation when you click a location (and it can show meters/feet depending on your settings).
On the Google Earth Web app
- Open Google Earth in your browser (Google Earth Web).
- Search for the place in the search box.
- Click the exact spot on the terrain.
- Look for an elevation value in the location information panel or bottom/side readouts (often labeled with units).
On iPhone and iPad (Google Earth app)
- Install/open the Google Earth app (not Google Maps).
- Search for your location.
- Tap the map to place the selection pin.
- Read the elevation shown for that point (units may depend on your phone settings).
On Android (Google Earth app)
- Open the Google Earth app.
- Search for your location and zoom in.
- Tap to select a point on the terrain.
- Check the displayed elevation value for the selected location.
Method 4: Use Coordinates + an Elevation Source (When Maps Features Don’t Appear)
Sometimes the elevation profile UI simply doesn’t show (different app versions, limited rollout, or UI changes). In those cases, grab coordinates from Google Maps and use an elevation lookup method.
Find coordinates in Google Maps
- Open Google Maps.
- Press and hold on the exact spot.
- In the bottom card or details panel, find Latitude and Longitude (or a coordinates readout).
- Copy the coordinates for the elevation lookup step.
Use an elevation lookup tool (example: Google Elevation API)
For developers or advanced users, the Google Elevation API (part of Google Maps Platform) can return elevation for a given lat/long. The flow is:
- Create/enable a Maps Platform project in the Google Cloud Console.
- Enable the Elevation API.
- Send a request with your latitude/longitude.
- Read the returned elevation (meters) and convert to feet if needed.
If you don’t want to build anything, you can also use a general-purpose elevation lookup website that accepts coordinates, then cross-check against Google Earth for sanity.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Elevation features are sensitive to UI rollout and settings. Here are the most frequent issues—and what to try.
No elevation profile appears
- Try a different device: if you’re on mobile, test desktop (or vice versa).
- Zoom level matters: zoom in closer to the route area, then redraw the line.
- Redraw the route: delete the last point and re-add it to trigger a refreshed profile.
- Update the app: Google Maps changes features over time; use the latest version.
- Fallback to Google Earth: for single points, Earth is usually consistent.
The numbers don’t match a GPS device
- GPS altitude is noisy and may fluctuate due to signal quality and atmospheric effects.
- Different reference surfaces: Google’s terrain model and your GPS may use different datums or smoothing.
- Try averaging: if your GPS shows altitude every second, take a short average over several readings.
Elevation looks wrong near water or cliffs
- Terrain resolution limits: steep areas can be difficult for models to represent precisely.
- Try selecting a slightly offset point away from the edge and compare.
- Use a profile: for routes, a profile may be more informative than a single point guess.
Measure distance is missing or limited
- Check the pin options: on some layouts, Measure distance appears only after dropping a pin.
- Try desktop: the right-click measure workflow is often more consistent than gesture-based menus on mobile.
- Use the route method: draw a line with multiple points; very short distances may not show profiles.
Elevation Accuracy: How Google Estimates It
Google’s elevation values are derived from terrain data models. That means they’re good for planning and comparison, but they’re not the same as surveying-grade measurements.
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If you need high accuracy for construction or compliance, you’ll still want field measurements (e.g., GNSS with proper surveying procedures) and local benchmarks.
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FAQs
Can I get elevation for a single point directly in Google Maps?
Sometimes, but not reliably. For consistent single-point elevation, use Google Earth and click the exact location.
Why does the elevation profile show different values after I redraw the line?
Small changes in the route geometry (points, zoom level, or snapping to roads) can shift the sampled terrain path. Redraw carefully and compare the overall gain/loss rather than obsessing over one spike.
Are elevations in meters or feet?
It depends on your device and settings. On many platforms, Google Earth and Maps follow your locale/unit preferences, but you can convert if needed.
Does the elevation profile work for any country or region?
Coverage can vary based on data availability and feature rollout. If the profile doesn’t appear, grab coordinates and use Google Earth or an elevation lookup method.
Is Google Maps elevation good for hiking route planning?
Yes for planning. Use elevation gain and max elevation to compare routes, then verify with on-the-ground data if accuracy matters for safety.
Bottom Line
To find elevations in Google Maps, use Measure distance when you need an elevation profile along a route. If you need a dependable altitude for one exact spot, switch to Google Earth and read the elevation for the clicked location.
If the elevation UI doesn’t show on your device, copy coordinates from Google Maps and use an elevation lookup (or the Elevation API for power users) to get consistent results.
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