Ground level

[DAXAIRAVIATION]

It would be very handy to have both low cloud level and the ground level shown at the same time. I know ground level isn’t on here yet but it should definitely be an option!

It would be very good to know that the cloud base is 3000ft approx but the ground level is at 1000ft above sea level. Therefore the difference between the ground level and clouds base is 2000ft. This would be especially important when mounting flying. Even more important when night flying.

Meaning you are still able to maintain VFR (H) flights. Especially over a long route you would be much better equipped to navigate. This obviously isn’t your primary method of navigating but it would certainly highlight a possible mistake before a flight.

[Gkikas LGPZ]

@DAXAIRAVIATION

Cloud base (on forecast maps) refers to ground.
So, if cloud base is forecast at 3000ft, it is 3000ft above the ground.
In the following screenshot you can see cloud base 2100ft over the Alps in an area where the elevation is well above 2100ft!

Please keep in mind that:

1. Cloud base refers to the base of the lowest layer of cloud
   that cover more than half of the sky (BKN, OVC).
2. Ground elevation (for the model) is not always the same with true elevation. It depends on the model's resolution (grid) and on the ground roughness.
3. Cloud base is one of the more difficult parameters to forecast
   and forecast skill lags behind other parameters (temp., rain etc).

[Gkikas LGPZ]

An easy way to find the model elevation is:
right click on a location
then "sounding".

e.g. For Mont Blanc, although the elevation is 4805m, model's elevation is only 3678m.
And we're talking about a hi-res model (ICON-D2, res. 2,2 km)

ECMWF (with res. 9 km) has even lower model elevation (2295m).