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Altitude


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384944
Altitude

Altitude is a term used to describe the vertical distance between a point and a reference plane, typically the Earth's surface. This term is commonly used in aviation, mountaineering, and geography. Altitude can be expressed in various ways, including height above sea level, height above the surface of the Earth, height above the surface of an ellipsoid, and height above the datum plane. Altitude is an essential concept in aviation, as it is used to determine the vertical position of an aircraft in relation to the ground and other aircraft. In mountaineering, altitude is used to describe the height of a mountain peak above sea level, which is a crucial factor in determining the difficulty of a climb. The measurement of altitude is typically done using a variety of methods such as barometric pressure, radar, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Barometric pressure is the most common method used to measure altitude, which measures the pressure of the atmosphere at a particular point and converts it into an altitude reading. Radar and GPS are also commonly used to measure altitude, particularly in aviation. Altitude has a significant impact on the environment, particularly on the climate and weather patterns. As altitude increases, the air pressure and temperature decrease, which affects the availability of oxygen and the ability of living organisms to survive. Altitude also affects the formation of clouds, precipitation, and wind patterns, which have a significant impact on local and global climate. In conclusion, altitude is a crucial concept in aviation, mountaineering, and geography. It is the vertical distance between a point and a reference plane, typically the Earth's surface, and can be expressed in various ways. Altitude is measured using a variety of methods such as barometric pressure, radar, and GPS. It has a significant impact on the environment, particularly on the climate and weather patterns.

aviation, mountaineering, geography, measurement, environment

Brian Walker

CITATION : "Brian Walker. 'Altitude.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=384944 (Accessed on April 08, 2025)"

247947
Altitude

Altitude is a term used to describe the vertical distance between a point and the surface of a reference plane, typically a geoid surface. Altitude can be expressed in various ways, including height above sea level, height above the surface of the Earth, height above the surface of an ellipsoid, and height above the datum plane. Altitude is most commonly used to describe the height of a point above sea level. It is measured in metres or feet, using a variety of methods such as barometric pressure, radar, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Altitude can also be used to describe the vertical position of an aircraft in relation to the ground.

Elevation, topography, geoid, orthometric, height.

Kenneth Harris


Altitude Definition
Altitude on Design+Encyclopedia

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