offground

Offground is a term describing objects, states, or operations not in contact with the ground. It covers anything elevated, airborne, or otherwise separated from the earth’s surface. The phrase is generic and widely used across disciplines to distinguish surface contact from elevation or flight.

In aviation and aerospace, offground refers to aircraft or devices that are not resting on a surface, such as airplanes, helicopters, drones, balloons, and launch vehicles during ascent or flight. In robotics, it distinguishes platforms that operate above ground level from traditional ground-based systems.

In construction and stage design, offground components include elevated platforms, lifts, and gantries used to position people or equipment above floor level. The concept also appears in safety discussions, where offground clearance describes the vertical distance needed to avoid contact with obstacles.

Measurement-wise, offground status is described by altitude or height relative to a reference plane. Ground clearance, by contrast, typically refers to the minimum distance between a vehicle and the ground when it is on the surface.

Use varies by field but generally serves to indicate separation from the ground, whether for operation, safety, or display. As a descriptive term, offground emphasizes elevation rather than a formal standard.