What is Elevation?
Elevation refers to the height of a specific location relative to sea level. It is a key measurement in geography and cartography as it provides information on the physical characteristics of a place. Elevation affects climate, vegetation, and land use as it can determine factors such as drainage, soil type, and temperature. It is also an essential consideration for city planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management.
Definition of Elevation
Elevation refers to the vertical distance between a point on the earth’s surface and sea level. It is usually measured in meters or feet. Elevation can be expressed in absolute terms, which is the height of a location above sea level, or relative terms, which is the height of a location relative to another point on the earth’s surface. Elevation is a crucial factor in understanding the physical and environmental characteristics of a place.
What is the Elevation of Edmonton
The elevation of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is 668 meters (2,192 feet) above sea level. It is located in the central region of the province, which is characterized by rolling hills and flatlands. Edmonton is one of the highest cities in Canada, and its elevation has a significant impact on its climate, vegetation, and land use.
Geographical Location of Edmonton
Edmonton is located in central Alberta, Canada, at a longitude of 113.49° W and a latitude of 53.54° N. It is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is surrounded by the Canadian Rockies to the west and the Canadian Prairies to the east. The city covers an area of 684 square kilometers (264 square miles) and has a population of over one million people.
The Importance of Elevation
Elevation is an important factor in geography and cartography as it provides information on the physical characteristics of a place. It affects climate, vegetation, and land use as it can determine factors such as drainage, soil type, and temperature. Elevation is also an essential consideration for city planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management.
How Elevation is Measured
Elevation is measured using various techniques, including satellite-based altimetry, aerial photogrammetry, and ground-based surveys. Satellite-based altimetry uses radar or laser to measure the distance between the satellite and the earth’s surface. Aerial photogrammetry involves taking photographs from an aircraft or drone and using them to create 3D models of the terrain. Ground-based surveys use instruments such as total stations and electronic distance meters to measure the elevation of a specific location.
Factors That Affect Elevation
Elevation is affected by various physical factors, including tectonic activity, erosion, and sedimentation. Tectonic activity can cause the uplift or subsidence of the earth’s crust, resulting in changes in elevation. Erosion and sedimentation can also affect elevation by altering the topography of the land.
The Effects of Elevation on Climate
Elevation has a significant impact on climate as it can influence factors such as temperature, precipitation, and air pressure. As elevation increases, the temperature decreases, and precipitation increases. This is because the air at higher elevations is less dense, and therefore, it can hold less moisture. The effects of elevation on climate are also manifested in the distribution of vegetation and wildlife.
The Role of Elevation in City Planning
Elevation is an important consideration in city planning as it can impact the design and construction of infrastructure, such as roads, buildings, and drainage systems. It is also a crucial factor in determining the suitability of land for specific uses, such as agriculture, forestry, and urban development. Elevation data is used to create topographic maps, which are essential tools for city planners and engineers.
The Significance of Knowing Elevation
Knowing the elevation of a specific location is essential for various purposes, including navigation, emergency management, and environmental assessment. It is also crucial for predicting the effects of climate change on the physical and environmental characteristics of a place. Elevation data is used in various applications, such as GPS navigation, flood modeling, and land use planning.
Conclusion: Elevation of Edmonton, Alberta
The elevation of Edmonton, Alberta, is 668 meters (2,192 feet) above sea level. It is one of the highest cities in Canada and has a significant impact on its climate, vegetation, and land use. Elevation is an essential consideration in geography and cartography, city planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management. It is measured using various techniques, and its data is used in various applications, including navigation, emergency management, and environmental assessment.
References and Further Reading
- Alberta Environment and Parks. (n.d.). Elevation data. Retrieved from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/elevation-data
- Natural Resources Canada. (n.d.). Elevation. Retrieved from https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/maps-tools-publications/maps/topographic-maps/definitions/13333
- University of California Museum of Paleontology. (n.d.). Elevation. Retrieved from https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/techist.html
