What does hypsometry mean?
Hypsometry is the measurement and mapping of elevation above a reference level, normally sea level. Surveyors use it to determine relative heights across a landscape, while cartographers use related techniques to represent relief with contour lines, shading or colour bands. A hypsometric map, for example, can distinguish low ground from mountain country by assigning different tones or colours to elevation ranges. The word is chiefly associated with geography, surveying, geophysics and mapmaking, and it is more technical than the everyday terms height, elevation or altitude. Hypsometry is also useful for understanding how physical landscapes are converted into information on maps. Where accurate measurements of height are required, however, a survey instrument or global positioning system may be used to obtain the underlying data.
nounThe measurement or mapping of elevation above a reference level, especially sea level. In cartography, it refers to methods of representing differences in land height.
- The measurement of elevation above a specified reference level, usually sea level.
- The cartographic representation of terrain according to elevation.
"Hypsometry allows a map to show the terrain's varying elevation through colour and contour lines."
"The survey team used hypsometry to calculate the elevation of each peak in the range."
"The map's hypsometry makes the difference between the valley floor and the surrounding mountains immediately visible."
The plural is uncommon; the uncountable form is normally used for the field or method, while individual measurements may be described as measurements of elevation.
"The atlas contains separate hypsometries for the coastal plain and the upland region."
Hypsometry turns invisible differences in elevation into a visual landscape of colour, contours and relief.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypsometry come from?
Hypsometry comes from Greek hypsos, meaning height, and metron, meaning measure. The combination was formed in the 19th century within the developing terminology of scientific geography and surveying. Its related term hypsometer, an instrument for measuring altitude, likewise combines Greek elements referring to height and measurement.
Related word forms
How hypsometry is actually used
This is a specialized term used mainly in surveying, geography and cartography. In ordinary use, elevation or altitude is more natural.
Easily confused with hypsometry
Hypsometry is the practice or system of measuring elevation, whereas a hypsometer is an instrument used to measure altitude or height.