Höhenwerte

Höhenwerte, also known as elevation values or altitudes, represent the vertical distance of a point above a reference surface. This reference surface is typically the mean sea level, but other geodetic datums can also be used depending on the specific application. Höhenwerte are crucial in various fields, including cartography, surveying, navigation, and engineering.

In cartography, Höhenwerte are depicted on maps using contour lines, spot heights, or shaded relief to illustrate topographical features. Surveyors use precise instruments to measure Höhenwerte for establishing land boundaries, planning construction projects, and creating detailed topographical maps. In aviation and maritime navigation, accurate Höhenwerte are essential for safe passage, preventing collisions with obstacles, and planning flight altitudes or sea depths.

Engineers rely on Höhenwerte for designing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. Understanding the elevation of different points helps in calculating gradients, managing water flow, and ensuring structural stability. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are digital representations of terrain surfaces, storing Höhenwerte in a gridded format that can be analyzed and visualized using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The accuracy of Höhenwerte is paramount, and it is often specified in terms of precision, such as meters or feet above the reference datum.