Light House Cyclopedia

Question 6：Height of lighthouse and height (elevation) of the light

A:

1. Definition of height of lighthouse and elevation (height) of light:
In general, lighthouses have two height standards including height of lighthouse and height of the light. Height of lighthouse is measured from the base of the tower to the top of the ventilator ball. Elevation of light, also called elevation of light, is measured from the high tide level to the top of the ventilator ball.

2. Construction principles on height of lighthouse and height of the light and construction site:
Generally, there are two conditions in choosing the lighthouse site. On one hand, the tower needs to be built near the coast or fairways. On the other hand, the tower should have a wide view without obstructers. In addition, nearby terrain and surface features, environmental change and functions of the lighthouse are also important points to consider.
Lighthouses would be equipped with short tower bodies and the lower lantern deck if they are located in highlands like hilltops or cliff tops. Those towers feature the high position and wide views such as Keelung Lighthouse, Yeliu, Fuguei Cape, San Diego, Su-ao, Cilabi, Kaohsiung, Orchid Island, Siaoliouciou, Hauyu, Chamuyu, Yuwongdao and Cimei Lighthouses. Those mentioned lighthouses almost stand below 15 meters high. Su-ao Lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse in Taiwan and stands only 7.9 meters high.
Lighthouses would be equipped with taller bodies and the higher lantern deck when they are located near the lower places like seaports, beaches and coasts. Those towers may usually be obstructed by other buildings, so they are designed with a great height of the tower body. Those lighthouses consist of Tamshui, Baishajia, Fangyuan, Waisanding Islet Lighthouse , Guosheng Port, Anping, Eluanbi, Hualien Port, Pengjia Isle, Green Island, Mudou (Isle), Dongjiyu Lighthouses. Those are measured more than 21 meters high at least, and some may be even measured more than 30 meters high. For example, the height of Mudou Lighthouse reaches 39.9 meters high.

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