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Azimuth vs Altitude - What's the difference?

azimuth | altitude |

As nouns the difference between azimuth and altitude

is that azimuth is an arc of the horizon intercepted between the meridian of the place and a vertical circle passing through the center of any object; as, the azimuth of a star; the azimuth or bearing of a line surveying while altitude is the absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.

azimuth

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An arc of the horizon intercepted between the meridian of the place and a vertical circle passing through the center of any object; as, the azimuth of a star; the azimuth or bearing of a line surveying.
  • The quadrant of an azimuth circle.
  • Quotations

    * , Chapter 16 *: The dome, being constructed of wood, was light by comparison with the rest of the structure, and the wheels which allowed it horizontal, or, as Swithin expressed it, azimuth motion, denied it a firm hold upon the walls; so that it had been lifted off them like a cover from a pot.

    Derived terms

    * azimuthal * azimuthally

    altitude

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The absolute height of a location, usually measured from sea level.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=David Simpson
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=36, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Fantasy of navigation , passage=Like most human activities, ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at high altitudes , there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth.}}
  • A vertical distance.
  • (geometry) The distance measured perpendicularly from a figure's vertex to the opposite side of the vertex.
  • (astronomy) The angular distance of a heavenly body above our Earth's horizon.
  • Height of rank or excellence; superiority.
  • (Jonathan Swift)
  • (dated, in the plural) Elevation of spirits; heroics; haughty airs.
  • * Sir Walter Scott
  • The man of law began to get into his altitudes .
    (Richardson)
  • Highest point or degree.
  • * Shakespeare
  • He is [proud] even to the altitude of his virtue.

    Anagrams

    * latitude ----