ELEVATION

A vertical distance relative to a reference point.  The reference point can be

• the ground (see Example 1)
• the sea level (see Example 2)
• an assumed point (see Example 3)

EXAMPLES:

Example 1: The elevation of the Eiffel tower is 980 feet. This means that the distance between the ground and the top of the tower is 980 feet.  (Note: the bottom of the Eiffel tower is 95 feet above sea level, to the top of the Eiffel tower is 980 + 95 = 1075 feet above sea level)

Example 2: The village is at an elevation of 1800 feet.  This means that the village is 1800 feet above sea level.

Example 3: The house is at an elevation of 7 feet from the street (assumed point).