altitude

Also known as height

thumb|Altitude is a vertical measurement between a reference datum and an object. Altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The exact definition and reference datum varies according to the context (e.g., aviation, geometry, geographical survey, sport, or atmospheric pressure). Although the term altitude is commonly used to mean the height above sea level of a location, in geography the term elevation is often preferred for this usage.

AI overview

Altitude is the vertical distance measured upward from a reference point (such as sea level) to an object or location. The specific definition and reference point can vary depending on the context, such as in aviation, geography, or atmospheric science, though altitude is commonly understood as height above sea level.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Research

47,938 papers

High-altitude physiology: Understanding molecular, pharmacological and clinical insights.ReviewPathology, research and practice · 2025Zidan BMRM, Zehravi M, Kareemulla S et al.DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2025.156080
Nutrition and Altitude: Strategies to Enhance Adaptation, Improve Performance and Maintain Health: A Narrative Review.ReviewSports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2019Stellingwerff T, Peeling P, Garvican-Lewis LA et al.DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01159-w
Altitude-related cough.ReviewPulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics · 2007Mason NP, Barry PWDOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2006.10.018
High altitude exposure affects male reproductive parameters: could it also affect the prostate?†.ReviewBiology of reproduction · 2022Alcantara-Zapata DE, Llanos AJ, Nazzal CDOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab205
Atypical neurological symptoms at high altitude: a systematic literature review.Travel medicine and infectious disease · 2025Łagowski W, Grodzka O, Domitrz IDOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102867
Nutrition and Hydration for High-Altitude Alpinism: A Narrative Review.ReviewInternational journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Viscor G, Corominas J, Carceller ADOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043186
Review of Athletic Guidelines for High-Altitude Training and Acclimatization.ReviewHigh altitude medicine & biology · 2024Ramchandani R, Florica IT, Zhou Z et al.DOI: 10.1089/ham.2023.0042
Elevated Perspectives: Unraveling Cardiovascular Dynamics in High-Altitude Realms.ReviewCurrent cardiology reviews · 2025Aggarwal K, Pathan MS, Dhalani M et al.DOI: 10.2174/011573403X308818241030051249

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Wikidata facts

Image: Altitude marker, Lismore.jpg

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Commons category: Altitude
equivalent class: dbpedia.org/ontology/Altitude

Sources (5)

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~13 min read

Article

12 sections

Contents

Aviation
Satellite orbits
Atmospheric studies
Atmospheric layers
High altitude and low pressure
Temperature profile
Humans
Athletes
Other organisms
See also
References
External links

In aviation, altitude is typically measured relative to mean sea level or above ground level to ensure safe navigation and flight operations. In geometry and geographical surveys, altitude helps create accurate topographic maps and understand the terrain's elevation. For high-altitude trekking and sports, knowing and adapting to altitude is vital for performance and safety. Higher altitudes mean reduced oxygen levels, which can lead to altitude sickness if proper acclimatization measures are not taken.