Height above sea level refers to the vertical distance of a location from the average level of the ocean, which is considered to be sea level. This measurement is important in various fields, including geography, aviation, and environmental science, as it helps determine climate, weather patterns, and the suitability of land for agriculture or construction. When measuring height above sea level, locations can be classified as low-lying, such as New Orleans, which is below sea level, or high-altitude areas like the Himalayas, where peaks reach thousands of meters above sea level. Understanding this concept is essential for navigation, land use planning, and assessing natural hazards.