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Geometric Altitude Formula:
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Geometric altitude is the altitude as measured from the mean sea level. It represents the vertical distance above the Earth's reference ellipsoid or geoid, providing a standardized measurement for aviation, geography, and various scientific applications.
The calculator uses the Geometric Altitude formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts absolute altitude (measured from Earth's center) to geometric altitude (measured from mean sea level) by subtracting the Earth's mean radius.
Details: Geometric altitude is crucial for aviation navigation, satellite positioning, geographic information systems, and various engineering applications where precise elevation measurements relative to sea level are required.
Tips: Enter absolute altitude in meters. The value must be greater than the Earth's radius (6371008.8 m) to obtain a positive geometric altitude result.
Q1: What is the difference between geometric and absolute altitude?
A: Geometric altitude is measured from mean sea level, while absolute altitude is measured from the center of the Earth. Geometric altitude = Absolute altitude - Earth's radius.
Q2: Why is Earth's mean radius used instead of actual radius?
A: The mean radius provides a standardized value that accounts for Earth's oblate spheroid shape, offering a good approximation for most calculations.
Q3: What are typical geometric altitude values?
A: Sea level is 0 meters, Mount Everest is approximately 8848 meters, and commercial aircraft typically fly between 9000-12000 meters.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides a good approximation for most purposes, though for precise applications, local geoid models and ellipsoidal corrections may be needed.
Q5: Can this formula be used for other celestial bodies?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to other planets and moons, but you would need to use their specific mean radius values instead of Earth's.