Height Definition

Height definition refers to the specification of how vertical position is defined and measured relative to a chosen reference surface. In geodesy, different height types are distinguished, including ellipsoidal height (referenced to a mathematical reference ellipsoid), orthometric height (referenced to the geoid and approximating mean sea level), and normal height (referenced to a quasigeoid).

A clear height definition is essential for consistent vertical positioning, engineering applications, sea level studies, and the realization of national and global height systems. The transformation between different height types requires precise knowledge of the Earth’s gravity field and geoid, linking geometric positioning with physical height concepts in geodesy.

More info: https://geodesy.science/item/height-systems/