Groundlevel

Ground level, commonly written as "ground level" or "ground-level," is a general reference to the surface of the earth at a particular location—the interface where the ground meets the air. The term is used across disciplines to indicate elevations, alignments, and measurements relative to the surface, and its exact meaning can vary with context.

In geography, surveying, and civil engineering, ground level denotes the local surface of the terrain. Elevations are measured relative to a reference datum, such as mean sea level or a geodetic datum, so ground level is not uniform across an area. Variations in soil elevation, topography, and man-made features influence how ground level is defined at a point.

In architecture and construction, ground level often corresponds to the lowest complete floor that is at or above exterior grade. A building's ground floor is the floor at or immediately above ground level, while spaces below grade (basements) lie below the local ground level. Regional conventions vary on terms like "ground floor," "first floor," and "grade."

In photography, film, and computer graphics, a ground-level shot or camera position places the vantage point near the ground, producing a low-angle perspective that emphasizes foreground elements and can convey forward motion or vulnerability.

In everyday language, ground-level data or insights refer to information obtained on-site or at the source rather than from abstractions or upper-level analysis. The term is used to highlight relevance to local conditions, safety, or practical decision-making.