Modern Trends and Issues Related to the Definition of Vertical Systems: The Canadian Experience
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Abstract
Canada has recently adopted a new vertical reference system based on the choice of an equipotential surface instead of the mean sea level as used during the last century and during the firstdecade of this century. This choice has important implications at the scientificand practical level. This article discusses the reasons and implications of this choice. On the one hand it provides a better representation of orthometric height; on the other hand it represents the demise of the levelling network of firstorder. On the one hand it facilitates the maintenance of the vertical system; on the other it entails a loss of “reality on the ground.” For users, it creates a number of challenges, which if successfully surmounted, will bring benefits for thevarious activities, especially those that deal with water, for example, sanitation, floods, andirrigation. The article also includes an introductory discussion about systems of heights and vertical systems.
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