angle of elevation definition
The vertical angle above the line of sight through which the axis of the gun bore must be raised so that the bullet or projectile will carry to the target. In aerial gunnery, an acute angle between the bore axis of a gun and the horizontal; called quadrant elevation in ground gunnery. The elevation (el) angle, also called the altitude, of an observed object is determined by first finding the compass bearing on the horizon relative to true north, and then measuring the angle between that point and the object, from the reference frame of the observer. Angle of Elevation. The upwards angle from the horizontal to a line of sight from the observer to some point of interest. If the angle goes downwards it is called an Angle of Depression. Search :: Index :: About :: Contact :: Contribute :: Cite This Page :: Privacy. Copyright © 2014 MathsIsFun.com. Part of the Mathematics glossary: Azimuth and elevation are angles used to define the apparent position of an object in the sky, relative to a specific observation point. The observer is usually (but not necessarily) located on the earth's surface. Angle of Elevation. The angle above horizontal that an observer must look to see an object that is higher than the observer. Note: The angle of elevation is congruent to the angle of depression (this assumes the object is close enough to the observer so that the horizontals for the observer and the object are effectively parallel; this would not be the case for a ground tracking station observing a satellite in orbit around the earth). The angle of depression is the angle formed between the horizontal and our line of sight when we look down. The angle of elevation is the angle formed between the horizontal and our line of sight when we look up. The angle of depression equals the angle of elevation because they from alternate interior angles or congruent angles located on different parallel lines cut by a transversal line. Also found in: Dictionary. angle of elevation. The angle in a vertical plane between the local horizontal and an ascending line, as from an observer to an object; used in astronomy, surveying, and so on. Also known as ascending vertical angle; elevation angle. As the angle of depression and the angle of elevation are equal, or angles 'x' and 'y,' we need to use a scientific calculator to find the inverse function of the tangent, which gives us the angle of depression: 59.04 degrees. Example 2. Two buildings are 70 ft apart. Elevation angles for objects above the horizon range from 0 (on the horizon) up to 90 degrees (at the zenith). Sometimes the range of the elevation coordinate is extended downward from the horizon to -90 degrees (the nadir).
The angle above horizontal that an observer must look to see an object that is higher than the observer.