Elevation vs. Altitude: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 18, 2023
Elevation refers to the height of a point above a reference level, usually the earth's surface, while altitude indicates the height of an object or point in the atmosphere above sea level.
Key Differences
Elevation denotes the height of a specific point or location above a given reference, typically sea level or the earth's surface. Altitude, meanwhile, commonly measures the height of an object (like an aircraft) or a point relative to sea level within the atmosphere.
When discussing landscapes or topography, we often use elevation to denote the height of terrains, mountains, or buildings above the surrounding area or sea level. In contrast, altitude primarily emerges in contexts like aviation, detailing how high an aircraft is flying above the sea.
Elevation pertains to fixed points on the Earth's surface, such as the height of landforms or the level of construction floors. Altitude can be more transient, focusing on points or objects that can change their height within the atmosphere, like balloons or drones.
It's essential to consider context. While elevation will always describe terrestrial points above a reference, altitude can sometimes describe heights on other celestial bodies. For instance, the altitude of a spacecraft above the surface of Mars.
To sum it up, think of elevation as height on or above the ground, and altitude as height in the air or space, often above sea level.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Height above a fixed reference, usually sea level
Height of an object or point above sea level
Common Context
Landforms, topography, buildings
Aviation, atmospheric studies, space exploration
Fixed vs. Transient
Refers to fixed points on Earth
Can be transient, e.g., flying aircraft
Earth-centric?
Mostly refers to Earth points
Can also describe heights on other celestial bodies
Measurement Devices
Topographic maps, altimeters (in some contexts)
Altimeters (especially in aviation)
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Elevation and Altitude Definitions
Elevation
Height of a point above a fixed reference.
The elevation of Denver is around 5,280 feet.
Altitude
An elevated region or place.
The altitude of the Andes makes them a challenging trek.
Elevation
The height above the horizon of a celestial object.
The sun's elevation changes throughout the day.
Altitude
Height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.
The plane is flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
Elevation
A moral or intellectual improvement or upliftment.
The seminar provided an elevation of spirits among attendees.
Altitude
The vertical distance from the baseline in a triangle to its opposite vertex.
The altitude bisects the base of the triangle.
Elevation
The act or an instance of elevating
The slow elevation of body temperature.
Altitude
The height of a celestial object above the observer's horizon.
The star's altitude is best observed at midnight.
Elevation
The condition of being elevated
Her elevation among scholars.
Altitude
The height of a thing above a reference level, especially above sea level or above the earth's surface.
Elevation
The height to which something is elevated above a point of reference, especially mean sea level
The ridge rises to an elevation of 3,000 feet.
Altitude
Great height or elevation
Has trouble breathing at altitude.
Elevation
The angular distance of an object above the observer's horizon.
Altitude
Often altitudes A high location or area.
Elevation
An elevated place or position
The hill is the highest elevation around here.
Altitude
(Astronomy) The angular distance above the observer's horizon of a celestial object.
Elevation
Loftiness or dignity, as of thought or feeling
A passage noted for its elevation of style.
Altitude
(Mathematics) The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to the opposite vertex, parallel side, or parallel surface.
Elevation
A scale drawing of the side, front, or rear of a structure.
Altitude
The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.
As the altitude increases, the temperature gets lower, so remember to bring warm clothes to the mountains.
Elevation
The ability to achieve height in a jump, as in ballet.
Altitude
A vertical distance.
Elevation
The degree of height reached when such a jump is executed.
Altitude
(geometry) The distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the opposite side of the vertex.
The perpendicular height of a triangle is known as its altitude.
Elevation
The act of raising from a lower place, condition, or quality to a higher; said of material things, persons, the mind, the voice, etc.
The elevation of grain; elevation to a throne; elevation to sainthood; elevation of mind, thoughts, or character
Altitude
(astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.
Elevation
The condition of being or feeling elevated; heightened; exaltation.
Altitude
Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
Elevation
That which is raised up or elevated; an elevated place or station.
A hill is an elevation of the ground.
The elevation of the pole, or of a star
Altitude
Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
Elevation
The measured vertical distance from the peak of a mountain or hill to its bordering lowlands.
Altitude
Highest point or degree.
Elevation
The angle which the gnomon makes with the substylar line.
Altitude
Space extended upward; height; the perpendicular elevation of an object above its foundation, above the ground, or above a given level, or of one object above another; as, the altitude of a mountain, or of a bird above the top of a tree.
Elevation
The movement of the axis of a piece in a vertical plane; also, the angle of elevation, that is, the angle between the axis of the piece and the line of sight; distinguished from direction.
Altitude
The elevation of a point, or star, or other celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the horizon. It is either true or apparent; true when measured from the rational or real horizon, apparent when from the sensible or apparent horizon.
Elevation
(architecture) A geometrical projection of a building, or other object, on a plane perpendicular to the horizon; orthographic projection on a vertical plane; called by the ancients the orthography.
Altitude
The perpendicular distance from the base of a figure to the summit, or to the side parallel to the base; as, the altitude of a triangle, pyramid, parallelogram, frustum, etc.
Elevation
The raising of the host—representing Christ’s body—in a mass or Holy Communion service.
Altitude
Height of degree; highest point or degree.
He is [proud] even to the altitude of his virtue.
Elevation
The act of raising from a lower place, condition, or quality to a higher; - said of material things, persons, the mind, the voice, etc.; as, the elevation of grain; elevation to a throne; elevation of mind, thoughts, or character.
Altitude
Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
Elevation
Condition of being elevated; height; exaltation.
His style . . . wanted a little elevation.
Altitude
Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
The man of law began to get into his altitude.
Elevation
That which is raised up or elevated; an elevated place or station; as, an elevation of the ground; a hill.
Altitude
Elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface;
The altitude gave her a headache
Elevation
The distance of a celestial object above the horizon, or the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between it and the horizon; altitude; as, the elevation of the pole, or of a star.
Altitude
The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure to opposite vertex (or side if parallel)
Elevation
The angle which the style makes with the substylar line.
Altitude
Angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
Elevation
The movement of the axis of a piece in a vertical plane; also, the angle of elevation, that is, the angle between the axis of the piece and the line o sight; - distinguished from direction.
Altitude
A high location or area.
Mountain climbers must acclimate to high altitudes.
Elevation
A geometrical projection of a building, or other object, on a plane perpendicular to the horizon; orthographic projection on a vertical plane; - called by the ancients the orthography.
Elevation
The event of something being raised upward;
An elevation of the temperature in the afternoon
A raising of the land resulting from volcanic activity
Elevation
The highest level or degree attainable;
His landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
The artist's gifts are at their acme
At the height of her career
The peak of perfection
Summer was at its peak
...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
The summit of his ambition
So many highest superlatives achieved by man
At the top of his profession
Elevation
Angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
Elevation
A raised or elevated geological formation
Elevation
Distance of something above a reference point (such as sea level);
There was snow at the higher elevations
Elevation
(ballet) the height of a dancer's leap or jump;
A dancer of exceptional elevation
Elevation
Drawing of an exterior of a structure
Elevation
The act of increasing the wealth or prestige or power or scope of something;
The aggrandizement of the king
His elevation to cardinal
Elevation
The action or fact of elevating or being elevated.
The elevation of the new bridge improved traffic flow.
Elevation
A raised level or platform.
The speaker stood on an elevation to address the crowd.
FAQs
Can "elevation" refer to an act of raising something?
Yes, as in "elevation of a platform."
Does "elevation" only pertain to heights on Earth?
Mostly, but in certain contexts, it can refer to heights on other celestial bodies.
Is "altitude" primarily used in aviation?
Yes, it's commonly used to describe the height of aircraft above sea level.
Is "altitude sickness" related to heights on land?
Yes, it's a condition that can occur at high elevations due to reduced air pressure and oxygen levels.
Which term relates more to topography?
"Elevation" often relates to topographical heights.
Does "altitude" always measure from sea level?
Commonly, but not always. For instance, in aviation, "density altitude" factors in temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Are "elevation" and "altitude" interchangeable?
Not always; while similar, "elevation" typically refers to heights on land, while "altitude" often pertains to heights in the air.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
