Absolute altitude

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003177",
  "term": "Absolute altitude",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The vertical distance of an aircraft or object above the actual terrain directly below it. This measurement is typically determined by a radar altimeter, which emits radio waves and measures the time taken for them to reflect off the ground. It differs from indicated altitude, which is measured relative to sea level or a pressure datum.",
  "see_also": [
    "true altitude"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/absolute-altitude/"
}