élvation

The term élvation is a variant spelling related to elevation used in various disciplines to signal height, ascent, or a vertical view. It derives from French élévation and Latin elevatio, and in practice appears in multilingual texts as a variation of the English word elevation. In English usage the unaccented form elevation is standard, while élvation or élévation may appear in translations or as a stylistic variant to reflect origin.

In geography and cartography, elevation denotes the height of a point above a reference level, typically mean sea level. Elevation is a fundamental descriptor in maps, GIS datasets, and weather models, and is usually expressed in meters or feet. The concept is distinguished from relief, which describes the terrain’s shape, rather than a single measured height.

In architecture, an elevation is a vertical orthographic drawing of a building’s exterior, showing one facade as viewed from the side. Elevation drawings convey dimensions, materials, openings, and decorative elements and are used alongside plans and sections during design and construction. The term is often used in English without diacritical marks, but similar terms appear in French as élévation.

Beyond technical uses, elevation can also describe a state of ascent or uplift, whether physical, symbolic, or spiritual. In religious contexts, elevation can refer to the ceremonial lifting of sacred elements during liturgy, or to a raised, exalted stance in contemplative practice.