NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide to Ensure Exam Success!

Altimetry specifically refers to the measurement of elevation or altitude. This term is derived from the Latin word "altus," meaning high or elevated. In surveying, altimetry is crucial for a variety of applications, including topographic mapping, determining land slopes, and establishing benchmarks. Accurate elevation measurements are essential for construction, floodplain management, and any project requiring an understanding of the terrain.

Understanding altimetry also highlights the importance of precise instruments, such as leveling devices and altimeters, which assess vertical distances and elevations relative to a reference point, typically sea level. The focus on elevation differentiates altimetry from other surveying processes that might involve area measurement, boundary studies, or volume calculations, which are distinctly different concepts in the field of surveying.