How does increased elevation improve visual range?

Question

I would like to know how being in a tower, say 3 stories tall, would give one improved range of sight. Also, what is the formula to determine how much further is one able to see when they are at said height?

Answer 1

The curvature of the earth limits how far you can see.  Let's face it - you can see stars at night.

So climbing a tower gives you more distance to the horizon.

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VISUAL "LINE-OF-SIGHT" CALCULATIONS

In Statute (land) Miles

Height (in feet) divided by 0.5736 = "X"

Square root of "X" = Distance in statute miles to horizon

Example

Height to center of your eye(s) = 5.5ft

5.5ft divided by 0.5736 = 9.588

Square Root of 9.588 = 3.10 statute miles, the maximum distance you could theoretically see if standing on the beach in California looking out across the Pacific Ocean.

Note: If your feet are just in the water you might want to know what the nautical miles are (?). If so, multiply statute miles by 0.86898. If you're in up to your waist, you'll need to recalculate your eye height above the water surface.