height—¹ In a general sense, height is the dimension in direction of the zenith from the base of a building or other structure. ² The distance (vertically) from the general ground elevation surrounding a mountain or other topographic feature to its highest point.

height, orthometric– ¹ The distance between a geoid and a point, measured along the plumb line and taken positive upward from the geoid. It is equal to the geodetic height minus the geoidal height. ² An elevation to which orthometric leveling correction has been applied.

height displacement– See displacement, height.

height of instrument– ¹ The height of the center of the telescope (horizontal axis) above the ground or station mark. ² In leveling, the height of the line of sight of the leveling instrument above the adopted datum.

height of target– The height above the reference point on which the rod or pole is set.

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Source: NSPS “Definitions of Surveying and Related Terms“, used with permission.

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