In the equation h = H + N, what does H denote?

In the equation ( h = H + N ), the term ( H ) denotes the ellipsoidal height. This relationship is fundamental in geodesy, where ( h ) represents the orthometric height (the height above the geoid), ( H ) is the ellipsoidal height (the height above the reference ellipsoid), and ( N ) signifies the geoidal separation (the difference in height between the geoid and the ellipsoid).

Geodetic studies frequently utilize this equation to relate measurements taken with geographic and surveying instruments to real-world elevations. By understanding the distinctions of these terms, you can effectively convert between different types of heights, which is crucial for applications such as mapping and navigation. The ellipsoidal height is vital for GPS measurements, as GPS devices compute their position relative to an ellipsoidal model of the Earth.