Elevation, altitude, height above sea level – these terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding the nuances can be helpful. This article explores what elevation means, how it’s calculated, and how you can easily find out “What Is My Altitude” using various methods.
What is Elevation?
Elevation is the height of a point on Earth’s surface above mean sea level. It’s the vertical distance between a specific location and the average sea level. While elevation usually refers to ground level, altitude generally indicates the height of an object above the ground or sea level, like an airplane or a bird. Height above sea level is another common synonym.
Methods to Determine Your Altitude
So, how can you determine “what is my altitude” or elevation? Several methods exist, each with its advantages and disadvantages:
1. Altimeters
An altimeter is an instrument specifically designed to measure altitude. It works by measuring atmospheric pressure.
An altimeter measures altitude by calculating differences in atmospheric pressure.
As you increase in altitude, the air pressure decreases. An altimeter contains a barometer, which detects these pressure changes. The barometer contains bellows that expand as pressure decreases. The expansion is then translated into an altitude reading.
Altimeters are particularly useful in areas where GPS signals are weak or unavailable. Many modern smartphones have built-in barometers that can function as altimeters, measuring elevation and even tracking the number of steps climbed. Unlike GPS-based methods, altimeters don’t require an internet connection to function.
2. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are another method for determining your altitude. NASA and other agencies use satellite data to create detailed elevation maps of the Earth’s surface.
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are detailed list of elevation values for points on the Earth’s surface.
These maps, or DEMs, are databases of elevation values for specific points on the Earth. By using GPS to pinpoint your location, you can cross-reference that location with the DEM data to find its corresponding elevation.
Understanding the Geoid
It’s important to remember that Earth is not a perfect sphere. Its surface is uneven and rugged. This irregularity affects gravity, which in turn influences the shape of the Earth’s liquids. If we could remove external forces like wind and tides from bodies of water, we would be left with something called the geoid.
The geoid is a hypothetical surface representing what sea level would be if the Earth were covered entirely by an ocean at rest. It serves as a reference point for surveyors to determine elevation based on mean sea level. Therefore, when you see “height above mean sea level,” it means the elevation is referenced to the geoid.
Finding Your Altitude Using This Website
This website uses GPS data from your device to find your precise location and corresponding elevation. This same technology is used in navigation apps like Google Maps. Your phone acts as a receiver for satellite signals. The site measures the time it takes for signals from multiple satellites to reach your phone. Because each satellite is in a different position, these signals can be used to calculate a three-dimensional position with high accuracy.
Your phone acts as a receiver for satellite data, which determines your precise location.
You can also use this site to find the elevation of any location in the world, even if you aren’t physically there. Simply enter an address to get its elevation in feet or meters.
Web vs. Phone Elevation Readings
When using the site on a mobile device with an altimeter, the elevation displayed will come directly from your phone’s built-in sensor, indicated as “according to your phone.” This method provides real-time altitude updates as you move. It also works offline, allowing you to bookmark the site for use without an internet connection.
When accessing the site from a desktop computer or searching for an address, the elevation is determined by your GPS coordinates based on satellite data.
Explore Our Elevation Atlas
Our elevation atlas provides a directory of countries and cities to assist in finding the elevation of any location worldwide. You can also use the search bar to quickly locate any place and determine “what is my altitude” there.
Conclusion
Understanding elevation and how it’s measured can be fascinating and useful. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, flying in an airplane, or simply curious about your location, knowing “what is my altitude” is now easier than ever thanks to technology like altimeters, DEMs, and websites like this one.
