Concept

Angles of Elevation and Depression

Right triangles can be used to solve problems in context. Sometimes, it can be helpful to use angles of elevation or angles of depression.
Concept

Angle of Elevation

An angle of elevation is defined as an angle between the horizontal plane and oblique line from the observer's eye to some object above. Suppose someone is standing on the ground looking up toward the top of a tree.

Man looking at the treetop, demonstrating the concept of angle of elevation in a natural setting.
The angle between the horizon and the viewer's gaze as they look up is an angle of elevation. In the diagram, it is marked as
Concept

Angle of Depression

An angle of depression is defined as an angle between the horizontal plane and oblique line from the observer's eye to some object below. Suppose someone is standing on a cliff looking down toward a ship in the ocean below.

The angle between the horizon and the viewer's gaze as they look down is an angle of depression. In the diagram, it is labeled as
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