In a nautical context, what does "elevation" refer to?

In a nautical context, "elevation" specifically refers to the height of a navigational aid above the water to assist with visibility. This includes lighthouses, buoys, and other markers that are elevated to ensure they can be seen by mariners from a significant distance away. The elevation of these aids is crucial for safe navigation, as it affects how far away they can be seen and helps vessels determine their position relative to coastal features and hazards.

Having the correct elevation is vital in ensuring that navigational aids can fulfill their purpose effectively, especially in areas with varying tides or in low visibility conditions. This ensures that ships can safely navigate without running aground or colliding with obstacles.