Garmin elevations in crisis.

[EckyH]

That would be most unwise if it actually mattered (such as in a plane ...)

Probably I should have mentioned that I meant altimeters in bicycle computers or similar devices - where it does not matter.
The implicit assumption is that there is virtually no height difference between the stored altitude on the map and the real position.

E.

 

[oldandslow]

Simple. Accumulated from start to finish.
Chasing sections is a mugs game. (Too many cheats)

But many hills have some slightly down bits. Don't think you entirely took on board my point, which was essentially that it's not simple.

 

[Pblakeney]

But many hills have some slightly down bits. Don't think you entirely took on board my point, which was essentially that it's not simple.

Accumulated climbing from start of ride to finish of ride is a fairly simple concept.