---
title: "Altitude versus attitude"
subject: "Engineering Geology I"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_3/engineering_geology_i:altitude-versus-attitude"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/altitude-versus-attitude
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Altitude versus attitude

Engineering Geology I · Chapter 5: Structural Geology

- Asked in: 2059 Chaitra (old course), 4 marks
- Video: [ATTITUDE - a simple explanation with calculation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mv2XPJCuYc) — ComGrads Learning center
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/altitude-versus-attitude
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/chapter-5

## Question

Differentiate between altitude and attitude.

## Short answer

Altitude is the vertical height of a point above mean sea level, expressed in metres. Attitude describes the orientation of a planar feature by its strike (direction) and dip (angle), measured in degrees with a compass.

## Answer

| Point | Altitude | Attitude |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Height of a point above mean sea level (or a datum) | Orientation of a geological plane or line in space |
| Expressed by | A single number in metres | Strike and dip (direction and angle), or trend and plunge |
| Unit | Metre | Degrees (bearing and angle) |
| Instrument | Altimeter, levelling, GPS | Geological compass (Brunton/Clar) with clinometer |
| Use | Contour maps, three-point problems, elevations | Geological maps, cross-sections, structure analysis |
| Example | Borehole top at 280 m above MSL | N30°E / 40°SE |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is altitude?
   A. Orientation of a plane in space
   B. Height of a point above mean sea level or datum
   C. Strike and dip
   D. Trend and plunge
   Answer: B. Attitude is orientation; altitude is height. (Key point: Meaning)

2. How is attitude expressed?
   A. A single number in metres
   B. By height only
   C. By strike and dip, or trend and plunge
   D. By contour value
   Answer: C. Attitude is directional. (Key point: Expression)

3. Which instrument measures attitude?
   A. Altimeter
   B. GPS only
   C. Levelling staff
   D. Geological compass with clinometer
   Answer: D. Brunton or Clar compass. (Key point: Instrument)

4. Which is an example of attitude?
   A. N30°E / 40°SE
   B. 280 m above MSL
   C. 1500 m
   D. Contour at 300 m
   Answer: A. Strike and dip form attitude. (Key point: Example)

## Related in Engineering Geology I

- [Weathering versus erosion](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Aweathering-versus-erosion) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 6, asked 5×
- [Primary versus secondary geological structures](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Aprimary-versus-secondary-geological-structures) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 5, asked 4×
- [Convergent versus divergent plate boundary](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Aconvergent-versus-divergent-plate-boundary) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 2, asked 3×
- [Intrusive versus extrusive igneous rocks](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Aintrusive-versus-extrusive-igneous-rocks) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 4, asked 3×
- [Engineering geology versus geology; disciplines](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Aengineering-geology-versus-geology-disciplines) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 1, asked 2×
- [Body waves versus surface waves](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Abody-waves-versus-surface-waves) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 2, asked 2×

## Related in other subjects

- [Scientific attitude and qualities of a scientist](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ascientific-attitude-qualities-scientist) — Communication English, chapter 2
- [Image space versus object space methods](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Aimage-space-vs-object-space) — Computer Graphics, chapter 7, asked 9×
- [Call by value versus call by reference](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Acall-by-value-vs-reference) — Computer Programming, chapter 6, asked 8×
- [Random scan versus raster scan display](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Arandom-vs-raster-display) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1, asked 7×