Outdoor Sports - Polar Glossary update for Polar.fi and Polar Web Services
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
At high altitudes, people may encounter some medical problems associated with a lower
pressure of oxygen in the air. These problems usually remain mild and disappear within a
few days, depending on the rapidity of the ascent and degree of exposure. The most
common medical problem is acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Most people experience some symptoms of AMS during the first few days at altitudes
above 2500m/8000ft. AMS occurs most frequently if you ascend rapidly to a high altitude,
without benefiting from gradual and progressive acclimatization to lower altitudes.
AMS symptoms include severe headache, fatigue, irritability, nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, indigestion, decreased urine output, generalized weakness and/or sleep
disturbance.
Acclimatization
The term altitude acclimatization describes the body’s adaptive responses that improve
tolerance to high altitudes (above 1500m/5000ft). Tolerance should be increased
gradually, and full acclimatization will require time. The rapidity of acclimatization is
altitude dependent, and some individual differences exist.
Altimeter
Shows your current altitude reading with graphical trend curve and your vertical progress.
Altitude is measured by using an air pressure sensor. Air pressure changes constantly due
to varying weather conditions. Therefore, measured altitudes in the same position may
vary. Pressure variations due to weather conditions, or indoor air-conditioning, may affect
altitude readings. Calibrate your Altimeter at regular intervals to make sure it remains
accurate.
Since the Altimeter and Barometer both use barometric pressure, only one of these
features can be activated at a time. Therefore, you will have to activate the Altimeter
separately for use. When the Altimeter is activated, all changes in barometric pressure are
interpreted as changes in altitude.
The Altimeter allows you to identify your current altitude and to determine altitude-related
conditions. It will also aid in pinpointing your position on a map and help you select an
appropriate route. Using the Altimeter, you will learn how much you can ascend or
descend per day, and how fast you can ascend or descend in current weather conditions.
Altitude alarm
The Altitude Alarm is a function informing you when a preset altitude has been reached.
Altitude scale
To make the graphical trend easier to interpret, this feature allows you to select the
altitude scale according to your type of activity. The optional scales for altitude graphical
trends are 1m/3ft, 10m/30ft and 100m/300ft.
Barometer
Monitor weather changes with barometric pressure and temperature reading.
Use the Barometer to measure sea level or absolute barometric pressure. Sea level
pressure represents the unit’s estimate of absolute pressure corrected to sea level (as
reported from a weather station or airport). Absolute barometric pressure is true
atmospheric pressure at current altitude and conditions.
Since the Altimeter and Barometer both use barometric pressure, only one of these
features may be activated at a time. Therefore, you will have to activate the Barometer
separately for use. When the Barometer is activated, all changes in barometric pressure
are interpreted as changes in weather conditions.
If you remain at the same altitude, changes in barometric pressure tip you on changing
weather conditions. For example, when you camp overnight, activate the Barometer for
the night and check it in the morning for changes to make sure you are up-to-date on
changing weather conditions.
Barometric Pressure Drop Alarm
This feature notifies you of worsening weather conditions. The Barometric Pressure Alarm
is activated when barometric pressure drops 4 hPa/0.12 inHg or more in 3 hours. As a rule
of thumb, a drop greater than 3 hPa/0.087 inHg in 3 hours signals a change in weather
conditions. A pressure change over an interval of 2-3 hours is the best indicator for
weather prediction.
Bearing tracking
The compass can be set to track a certain bearing, helping you follow the chosen direction
in the terrain, especially when no landmark is visible.
For example, you can point the top of the wrist unit towards a landmark or destination and
set a bearing (and mark it on your map if you wish). Once set, the bearing indicator will
indicate the direction to your destination.
Compass
For navigating and monitoring the right direction.
A digital compass is included in select Polar Outdoor Computer models.The direction
value is given as a cardinal point, as well as in degrees. For example, when heading east,
the letter E, the value in degrees (90) and three pointers indicating your north will appear
on your wrist unit display.
CountDown timer
The CountDown timer works like a stopwatch, but counts the time back wards from a
preset value and alarms when the preset time has past.
Declination
Declination is the difference in degrees (either east or west) between the magnetic north
(indicated by the compass) and geographical (map) north. A declination indicates that the
compass north is to the east or west of magnetic north. Declination varies between
different regions. Verify local declination in a topographical map, for instance. Set the
given value as declination.
Graphical Trends
The graphical trend feature gives you a visual interpretation of changes in heart rate,
altitude as well as air pressure.
Heart Rate Limits
Setting upper and lower heart rate limits allows you to create a target heart rate zone. Use
this feature to help maintain a particular level of intensity, depending on your objectives.
HeartTouch
This function enables button free operation of certain main functions, e.g. when gloves
make pressing buttons difficult. Activate the HeartTouch function by bringing your wrist
unit close to the Polar logo on your transmitter. The HeartTouch function operates only
when wearing the transmitter.
Polar Heart rate Rest Test
Measure your resting heart rate to determine how well you have adapted to extreme
conditions.
Take the Polar Heart rate Rest Test to measure your resting heart rate. This will provide
you with information on the state of your physical fitness and recovery, or your
acclimatization to altitude.
Slope Counter
Shows the number of slopes you have gone down the piste.
The Slope Counter will automatically record the number of slopes you cover. A course of
at least 50m /165ft descended continuously is registered as a slope.
Vertical Speed
Shows ascent and descent rate indicating how fast you have gone vertically up or down.
You can utilize this information to keep track of your performance or to keep your speed
constant (e.g. to save energy on a long hike or other outdoor activity).