Seegehalt

Seegehalt refers to the concept of "sea level" or "sea altitude" in the context of geographical surveying. It is the reference point used to determine the height of land features. Historically, this reference was established by measuring the mean sea level at a specific tide gauge location. Over time, different geodetic datums have been established, each with its own definition of sea level. These datums are crucial for creating accurate maps, planning infrastructure, and understanding geological changes.

The determination of sea level is a complex process involving long-term observations of tidal fluctuations. Factors like atmospheric pressure, wind, and ocean currents can influence local sea level. Therefore, establishing a consistent and accurate sea level datum requires sophisticated measurement techniques and statistical analysis of data collected over many years. Different regions may use different sea level datums, leading to potential discrepancies when comparing elevations across international borders. Modern surveying practices increasingly rely on satellite-based technologies like GPS, which can establish positions relative to an ellipsoid, and then convert these to heights above a specific geoid model that approximates sea level. This approach offers greater accuracy and consistency compared to traditional tide gauge methods.