How is altitude typically expressed on an altimeter?

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Altitude is typically expressed in feet on an altimeter, especially in aviation contexts. This standard is rooted in the conventions of the aviation industry, where pressure altitude and true altitude are commonly given in feet to maintain consistency and clarity among pilots, air traffic controllers, and navigational aids. Utilizing feet for altitude ensures that all parties involved in flight operations can maintain a uniform understanding of elevation, particularly in relation to the earth's surface and the airspace system.

While meters are a common measure of distance in many countries, aviation in the United States and most of the air traffic management systems worldwide predominantly use feet for altitude. Nautical miles are primarily reserved for measuring distances over water and for navigation, not for altitude measurement. Kilometers may be used in some contexts or regions but are not standard for expressing altitude in aviation, making feet the conventional and widely accepted choice for altimeter readings.

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