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Elevation Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Understanding Elevation and Vertical Measurements

Cheat Sheet:
Understanding Elevation and Vertical Measurements Study Guide

Fundamental Concepts and Definitions

Elevation is defined as a location's height relative to a fixed point, most commonly the Earth's center.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies the primary reference point for measuring elevation as a geoid, which models the Earth's sea level, not its geometric center.

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Altitude is the term used for points on the Earth's surface, while elevation is used for points above the surface.

Answer: False

Explanation: The distinction is that elevation refers to points on the Earth's surface, altitude (or geopotential height) is used for points above the surface, and depth is for points below the surface.

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Orthometric height is a measure of distance from the Earth's center.

Answer: False

Explanation: Orthometric height is a type of vertical measurement related to elevation, typically measured relative to the geoid (mean sea level), not the Earth's geometric center. Geocentric distance measures the distance from the Earth's center.

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Elevation and altitude are interchangeable terms in aviation, both referring to height above ground level.

Answer: False

Explanation: Elevation and altitude are distinct terms. Aerodrome elevation refers to the highest point of an airport's landing area, while altitude or height refers to the vertical distance of an aircraft above a reference level.

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Hatnotes like 'Not to be confused with Elevator' are used to provide definitions for related terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hatnotes, such as 'Not to be confused with Elevator,' serve to guide readers by indicating disambiguation or redirecting to broader coverage of a topic, rather than providing definitions for related terms.

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Geocentric distance measures a location's height above mean sea level.

Answer: False

Explanation: Geocentric distance measures the distance of a point on the Earth's surface from the Earth's exact center. Height above mean sea level is a measure of elevation.

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Depth is the term used for points located above the Earth's surface.

Answer: False

Explanation: Depth is the term used for measurements below the Earth's surface. Altitude or geopotential height is used for points above the surface, while elevation refers to points on the surface.

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The term 'elevation' is exclusively used for points in the atmosphere or outer space.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'elevation' is primarily used for points on the Earth's surface. Altitude or geopotential height is used for points above the surface, such as in the atmosphere or outer space.

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The Wiktionary link provides a definition and further details about the term 'elevation'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Wiktionary link serves as an external resource providing a definition and additional details about the term 'elevation'.

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Which term is used for points located above the Earth's surface, such as an aircraft?

Answer: Altitude or geopotential height

Explanation: Altitude or geopotential height is the term used for points located above the Earth's surface, such as an aircraft. Elevation refers to points on the surface, and depth refers to points below.

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How does the source differentiate between elevation, altitude, and depth?

Answer: Elevation is for surface points, altitude for points above, and depth for points below.

Explanation: The source differentiates these terms by defining elevation for points on the Earth's surface, altitude (or geopotential height) for points above the surface, and depth for points below the surface.

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What does the term 'geocentric distance' refer to?

Answer: The distance of a point on the Earth's surface from the Earth's exact center.

Explanation: Geocentric distance refers to the distance of a point on the Earth's surface from the Earth's exact center, which differs from elevation measured relative to sea level.

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What is the definition of 'depth' in the context of vertical measurements?

Answer: Measurement of points below the Earth's surface.

Explanation: In the context of vertical measurements, depth is defined as the measurement of points located below the Earth's surface.

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Reference Surfaces and Datums

A geoid is a mathematical representation of the Earth's average sea level used as a reference for elevation.

Answer: True

Explanation: A geoid serves as a fundamental reference surface for elevation measurements, representing the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface.

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The Sea Level Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) is the current standard vertical datum used in North America.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sea Level Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) is a superseded vertical datum in North America; the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) is the current standard.

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The Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP) is the official vertical datum for Germany.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP) is the official vertical datum for the Netherlands, not Germany. Germany uses Normalhöhennull (NHN).

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The primary reference point for measuring elevation is typically the Earth's geometric center.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary reference point for measuring elevation is typically a geoid, which models the Earth's sea level, not its geometric center. Geocentric distance measures from the Earth's center.

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The North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) is a superseded datum.

Answer: False

Explanation: The North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) is the current standard vertical datum used in North America, not a superseded one.

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Elevation is measured relative to a geoid, which is a model of the Earth's geometric center.

Answer: False

Explanation: Elevation is measured relative to a geoid, which is a model of the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface, not a model of the Earth's geometric center.

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What is the fundamental reference point commonly used for measuring the elevation of a geographic location?

Answer: A geoid, representing a model of the Earth's sea level.

Explanation: The primary reference point for measuring elevation is typically a geoid, which is a mathematical model of the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface.

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Which of the following is identified as a Dutch vertical datum?

Answer: Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP)

Explanation: The Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP) is identified as the official vertical datum for the Netherlands.

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Which of the following is a superseded United States vertical datum mentioned in the text?

Answer: Sea Level Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29)

Explanation: The Sea Level Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) is mentioned as a superseded United States vertical datum.

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Measurement and Representation

Contour lines on a topographical map connect points of equal altitude, not necessarily equal elevation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contour lines on a topographical map connect points of equal elevation, not altitude. Altitude typically refers to height above sea level or ground level for objects in the air.

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Lighter grayscale values on a heightmap of Earth's surface typically represent lower elevations.

Answer: False

Explanation: On heightmaps, lighter grayscale values typically represent higher elevations, while darker values represent lower elevations.

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Topographic prominence measures how far a peak is from the nearest higher point.

Answer: False

Explanation: Topographic prominence measures the height of a peak relative to its surrounding terrain. Topographic isolation measures the distance from a peak to the nearest higher point.

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Hypsometric tints are used on maps to represent different ranges of elevation using distinct colors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hypsometric tints are indeed colors used on maps to visually represent different ranges of elevation, aiding in the interpretation of terrain height.

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The image of Haleakala serves as an example of elevation representation on a topographic map.

Answer: True

Explanation: The image of the topographic map of Haleakala, Hawaii, serves as a visual example of how elevation is represented on such maps, typically using contour lines or shading.

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Topographic isolation measures how much a peak stands out from its surrounding terrain.

Answer: False

Explanation: Topographic isolation measures the distance from a peak to the nearest point of higher elevation, indicating how isolated a summit is. Topographic prominence measures how much a peak stands out.

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A histogram of the Earth's surface elevation shows the distribution of heights across the planet.

Answer: True

Explanation: A histogram of the Earth's surface elevation effectively displays the distribution of heights across the planet, showing how frequently different elevation ranges occur.

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How are elevation changes typically visualized on a topographical map?

Answer: By connecting points of equal elevation with contour lines.

Explanation: Elevation changes on a topographical map are typically visualized using contour lines, which connect points of equal elevation, thereby illustrating the terrain's shape and height.

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What does the term 'topographic prominence' measure?

Answer: The height of a mountain relative to its surrounding terrain.

Explanation: Topographic prominence measures how much a peak stands out from its surrounding terrain, indicating its relative height and isolation.

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What is the purpose of hypsometric tints on maps?

Answer: To represent different ranges of elevation using colors.

Explanation: Hypsometric tints are colors used on maps to visually represent different ranges of elevation, aiding in the interpretation of the terrain's height variations.

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What is the primary function of contour lines on a topographic map?

Answer: To connect points of equal elevation.

Explanation: The primary function of contour lines on a topographic map is to connect points of equal elevation, thereby illustrating the shape and height of the terrain.

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Geodetic Principles and Earth's Shape

Due to the Earth's equatorial bulge, the point with the greatest elevation is also the point farthest from the Earth's center.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Earth's equatorial bulge means that points near the equator can be farther from the Earth's center than points at higher elevations near the poles. For instance, Mount Chimborazo has a greater geocentric distance than Mount Everest.

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Mount Everest has the greatest geocentric distance from the Earth's center.

Answer: False

Explanation: Due to the Earth's equatorial bulge, Mount Chimborazo, located near the equator, has a greater geocentric distance from the Earth's center than Mount Everest, which has the highest elevation.

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A lapse rate describes the rate at which atmospheric pressure changes with elevation.

Answer: False

Explanation: A lapse rate, specifically the adiabatic lapse rate, describes the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with increasing altitude or elevation, not atmospheric pressure.

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Geodesy is the study of Earth's magnetic field.

Answer: False

Explanation: Geodesy is the scientific discipline concerned with the measurement and representation of the Earth, including its gravitational field, which is fundamental to understanding elevation and vertical datums.

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The comparison of Mount Everest and Mount Chimborazo illustrates the difference between elevation and geocentric distance.

Answer: True

Explanation: This comparison effectively highlights that elevation (height above sea level) and geocentric distance (distance from Earth's center) are distinct measurements, influenced by the Earth's equatorial bulge.

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An equipotential gravitational surface is a surface where gravitational potential varies significantly.

Answer: False

Explanation: An equipotential gravitational surface is defined as a surface where the gravitational potential is constant. The geoid is an example of such a surface.

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The concept of elevation is directly related to the scientific discipline of geodesy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of elevation is fundamentally linked to geodesy, the science of measuring and representing the Earth, as it involves understanding reference surfaces and precise measurements.

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Why is Mount Everest's summit not the point farthest from the Earth's center?

Answer: The Earth has an equatorial bulge, causing points near the equator like Mount Chimborazo to be farther from the center.

Explanation: Due to the Earth's equatorial bulge, points near the equator, such as Mount Chimborazo, are farther from the Earth's center than Mount Everest, despite Everest having a higher elevation above sea level.

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What is the 'adiabatic lapse rate' related to elevation?

Answer: The rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with increasing altitude.

Explanation: The adiabatic lapse rate describes the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with an increase in altitude or elevation, assuming no heat exchange with the surroundings.

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What does the term 'equipotential gravitational surface' mean in the context of elevation?

Answer: A surface where the gravitational potential is constant.

Explanation: An equipotential gravitational surface is defined as a surface where the gravitational potential is constant. The geoid is an example of such a surface.

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How does the Earth's equatorial bulge impact the relationship between elevation and distance from the center?

Answer: It means points near the equator can have greater distance from the center than their elevation suggests (e.g., Chimborazo).

Explanation: The Earth's equatorial bulge means that points near the equator, such as Mount Chimborazo, can have a greater geocentric distance (distance from the Earth's center) than their elevation above sea level might imply, even if another point like Mount Everest has a higher elevation.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Data

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS uses vector data to represent surface topography.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS typically uses raster data, organized in a grid, to represent surface topography, not vector data.

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The USGS's 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) focuses solely on collecting LiDAR data.

Answer: False

Explanation: The USGS's 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) collects various types of elevation data, including LiDAR, and produces bare earth DEM layers, not solely LiDAR data.

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A Geographic Information System (GIS) is primarily used for analyzing weather patterns.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Geographic Information System (GIS) is primarily used for managing, analyzing, and visualizing data associated with geographic locations, not exclusively for analyzing weather patterns.

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GTOPO30 is a global digital elevation model providing data at 30-meter resolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: GTOPO30 is a global digital elevation model that provides elevation data at a resolution of 30 arc seconds, not 30 meters.

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The USGS 3DEP program provides elevation data that is nationally seamless.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key objective of the USGS 3DEP program is to provide nationally seamless elevation data, encompassing various resolutions and data types like LiDAR and DEMs.

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SRTM data, used for the Cape Peninsula image, primarily provides atmospheric data.

Answer: False

Explanation: SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data primarily provides elevation data, not atmospheric data, used for mapping topographical features.

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The USGS 3DEP program offers bare earth DEM layers at resolutions including 1/3, 1, and 2 arcseconds.

Answer: True

Explanation: The USGS 3DEP program provides nationally seamless bare earth DEM layers at specified resolutions, including 1/3, 1, and 2 arcseconds.

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Authority control links help users find the elevation of specific locations online.

Answer: False

Explanation: Authority control links, such as those to GND or Yale LUX, catalog and manage information about concepts like elevation, ensuring consistency and providing resources, but they do not directly provide real-time elevation data for specific locations.

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The external link whatismyelevation.pro is a tool for converting between different vertical datums.

Answer: False

Explanation: The external link whatismyelevation.pro is described as a tool for finding the elevation of a specific place, not for converting between vertical datums.

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GIS primarily visualizes elevation data but cannot perform complex spatial analysis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are designed not only for visualization but also for performing complex spatial analysis on various types of data, including elevation.

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A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in GIS typically includes surface features like buildings and trees.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in GIS typically represents the bare earth topography, excluding surface features like buildings and trees, which are often included in a Digital Surface Model (DSM) or a standard DEM.

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The external link at the U.S. National Geodetic Survey (NGS) allows users to find the elevation of any place.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NGS external link mentioned provides tools for converting between vertical datums (e.g., NGVD 29 to NAVD 88), not a general tool to find the elevation of any place online.

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A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a representation of terrain using a vector dataset.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS typically uses a raster, or grid, dataset where each cell contains an elevation value representing the topography, not a vector dataset.

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Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) are primarily used in GIS for representing atmospheric conditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in GIS are used for representing terrain topography, similar to DEMs, not for representing atmospheric conditions.

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The USGS 3DEP program aims to provide nationally seamless elevation data at various resolutions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The USGS 3DEP program is designed to deliver nationally seamless elevation data, offering comprehensive coverage and various resolutions to meet diverse needs.

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What type of dataset does a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) commonly use in GIS?

Answer: A raster, or grid, dataset with elevation values in each cell.

Explanation: A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) commonly uses a raster, or grid, dataset where each cell contains an elevation value representing the topography.

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What is the primary goal of the USGS's 3D Elevation Program (3DEP)?

Answer: To provide enhanced, high-quality topographic data across the United States.

Explanation: The primary goal of the USGS's 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is to provide enhanced, high-quality topographic data, including LiDAR and DEM layers, across the United States and its territories.

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Which of the following is a key component provided by the USGS 3DEP program?

Answer: High-quality LiDAR data and bare earth DEM layers.

Explanation: A key component provided by the USGS 3DEP program includes high-quality LiDAR data and bare earth Digital Elevation Model (DEM) layers, available at various resolutions.

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What is the main function of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

Answer: To manage and analyze data associated with geographic locations.

Explanation: The main function of a Geographic Information System (GIS) is to visualize, manage, and analyze data associated with geographic locations, enabling understanding of spatial patterns and relationships.

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What does GTOPO30 represent?

Answer: A global digital elevation model with 30 arc-second resolution.

Explanation: GTOPO30 is a global digital elevation model that provides elevation data for the entire world at a resolution of 30 arc seconds.

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What does a GIS enable users to do with elevation data?

Answer: Visualize and understand spatial patterns and relationships.

Explanation: A GIS enables users to visualize and analyze elevation data, facilitating a deeper understanding of spatial patterns, relationships, and topographical features.

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What role does LiDAR data play in the USGS 3DEP program?

Answer: It provides high-quality elevation information, especially for bare earth models.

Explanation: LiDAR data plays a crucial role in the USGS 3DEP program by providing high-quality elevation information, particularly for generating detailed bare earth models.

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What does the image of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, display?

Answer: Elevation data from NASA's SRTM mission.

Explanation: The image of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, displays elevation data acquired from NASA's SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission).

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What is the difference between a DEM and a DTM in GIS, according to the text?

Answer: DTMs represent bare earth, while DEMs may include surface features like buildings.

Explanation: According to the text, a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in GIS typically represents the bare earth topography, whereas a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) may include surface features like buildings and vegetation.

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What does the external link whatismyelevation.pro provide?

Answer: A tool to find the elevation of a specific place.

Explanation: The external link whatismyelevation.pro provides a tool that allows users to find the elevation of a specific geographic location.

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What is the primary purpose of the USGS's 3DEP program regarding data resolution?

Answer: To offer nationally seamless DEM layers at resolutions of 1/3, 1, and 2 arcseconds.

Explanation: The primary purpose of the USGS's 3DEP program is to offer nationally seamless bare earth DEM layers at various resolutions, including 1/3, 1, and 2 arcseconds.

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Specialized Applications (Aviation)

In aviation, aerodrome elevation refers to the highest point of an aircraft's flight path above an airport.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aerodrome elevation in aviation refers to the highest point of the landing area at an airport, not the flight path of an aircraft.

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Aerodrome elevation, as defined by ICAO, is typically measured in kilometers and found on navigational charts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aerodrome elevation, as defined by ICAO, is typically measured in feet and is found on approach charts for an aerodrome.

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The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) defines elevation standards solely for air traffic control.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ICAO defines various standards related to aerodromes and aviation, including aerodrome elevation, which impacts navigation and safety, not solely air traffic control operations.

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The ICAO document from 1951 is referenced because it contains the definition of aerodrome elevation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The reference to the 1951 ICAO document signifies the origin of the definition for aerodrome elevation, as established in the first edition of the ICAO's AERODROMES document.

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The definition of aerodrome elevation by ICAO was established in the 21st century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition of aerodrome elevation by ICAO was established in the first edition of the ICAO's AERODROMES document in 1951, not in the 21st century.

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According to the ICAO, what does 'aerodrome elevation' specifically refer to?

Answer: The highest point of the landing area at an airport.

Explanation: According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aerodrome elevation refers specifically to the highest point of the landing area at an airport.

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What does the reference to the 1951 ICAO document signify?

Answer: The origin of the definition for aerodrome elevation.

Explanation: The reference to the 1951 ICAO document signifies the origin of the definition for aerodrome elevation, as established in the first edition of the ICAO's AERODROMES document.

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