Spot height
Topic: Topographical Maps: Relief Representation and Interpretation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Topographical Maps"
Meaning
A spot height is a dot on a map with a number beside it. The number gives the exact height of that one point above mean sea level. Spot heights are often placed on hilltops or along roads. They support contours by giving exact heights at points that fall between two contour lines.
Example
Guru Shikhar near Mount Abu in Rajasthan is the highest point of the Aravalli Range. A topographical map marks it with a spot height, a dot with its height printed beside it.
Don't confuse with
- Bench mark: this is a permanent mark actually fixed on a building, pillar or rock, and it is used for levelling. A spot height exists only on the map. It is just a dot and a number.