Altimeter - definition
Altimeter - definition
Altimeter is a measuring instrument used to determine the relative or absolute height of a given point with respect to an assumed reference level, usually sea level or the ground surface. In aeronautics, surveying, meteorology and industrial applications, an altimeter has an important navigational, control or diagnostic function, allowing precise tracking of changes in position in the vertical axis.
The most common variety of altimeter is the barometric altimeter, whose operation is based on the relationship between atmospheric pressure and height above sea level. The pressure measured by the sensor or aneroid capsule is converted to the corresponding altitude based on known physical relationships, taking into account the standard atmosphere. Such devices require periodic calibration due to the variability of weather conditions and the need to set a reference pressure (QNH, QFE).
Another solution is radar and laser altimeters, which use the principle of measuring the return time of an electromagnetic wave reflected from the ground surface. They allow direct measurement of height above ground (AGL - Above Ground Level), regardless of changes in atmospheric pressure, which is particularly important in military aviation, unmanned automation and field robotics. Modern systems also use satellite altimeters (GNSS), which calculate altitude based on geographical position relative to a reference ellipsoid.
Altimeters can be implemented as analogue instruments with mechanical indication or digital instruments with a display and additional functions such as data recording, altitude alarms, temperature compensation or integration with other navigation systems. Measurement accuracy depends on the type of instrument, environmental conditions, detection method and calibration method. In specialist applications, altimeters are a critical part of trajectory control, operational safety and environmental analysis.
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