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Spot height

Point of known height on a map

Wikipedia contributorsAdapted for Fathomly · View authors
1 min read
Source updated March 11, 2026
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A spot height is an exact point on a map with an elevation recorded beside it that represents its height above a given datum. In the UK this is the Ordnance Datum. Unlike a bench-mark, which is marked by a disc or plate, there is no official indication of a spot height on the ground although, in open country, spot heights may sometimes be marked by cairns. In geoscience, it can be used for showing elevations on a map, alongside contours, bench marks, etc.

Spot height 479 near Arenig Fach in Snowdonia, Wales, marked by a cairn
Spot height 479 near Arenig Fach in Snowdonia, Wales, marked by a cairn
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This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Spot height”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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