ellipsoid– ¹ A solid formed by rotation an ellipse around either axis; its plane sections are all ellipses of circles. ² The surface of such a solid. ³ Geodetic ellipsoids.

ellipsoid, normal ¹ An ellipsoid which is at a specified constant gravity-potential and which envelopes but rotates with the Earth. ² An ellipsoidal body having a given mass, a given rate of rotation, and given dimensions, and subject to the condition that the gravity potential at its surface be a constant.

ellipsoidal height– See geodetic height

ellipsoid of revolution– An ellipsoid formed by rotation an ellipse about the major axis, the result is called a prolate rotational ellipsoid, or a prolate \”oblate rotational ellipsoid; or an “oblate spheroid.’

ellipticity– See flattening.

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

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