Spitzhöhe

Spitzhöhe is a German term used in geomorphology and mountaineering to describe the height of a sharply pointed summit, such as a pinnacle or spire, relative to the surrounding terrain. The word combines Spitz (sharp point) and Höhe (height). It is not a universally standardized geodetic quantity; rather, it denotes the vertical extent of the summit feature itself and is often used in descriptive contexts to emphasize the slender, high apex of a rock or ice feature.

Difference from elevation: Spitzhöhe refers to the height of the feature above its local base, while elevation (Höhe über dem Meer) is the altitude above sea level. It also differs from topographic prominence, which measures how high the summit rises above the lowest contour line encircling it; Spitzhöhe is about the actual peak height, though in non-technical texts the terms may be conflated.

Measurement: Depending on context, the base may be the immediate surrounding terrain or a defined horizontal plane; measurements may be derived from field surveys, GPS data, or digital elevation models. In practice, the base reference used to determine Spitzhöhe can vary by author or application.

Contexts: In geology and geomorphology, Spitzhöhe helps characterize sharp summits and spires; in mountaineering and climbing literature, it may describe the apex height of a peak or tower; in architecture, it could denote the height of a spire. The term's usage is flexible and context-dependent.

Limitations: The concept is not standardized across disciplines, and definitions may differ by region or author, so clarifying the reference base is advisable when the term is used.