While nobody "invented" altitude, there were significant advancements in measuring it throughout history:
* Ancient Civilizations: Early civilizations likely used rudimentary methods to estimate altitude, like comparing the height of objects to known landmarks.
* Early Astronomers: The Greeks and other ancient civilizations developed early tools for astronomical observation, which could be used to estimate the height of celestial bodies.
* Barometers: The invention of the barometer in the 17th century allowed for more accurate measurement of altitude based on air pressure.
* Modern Tools: Today, we use sophisticated tools like altimeters, GPS, and laser ranging to determine altitude with high precision.
So, while no single person "invented" altitude, various individuals and civilizations contributed to developing the tools and understanding needed to measure and quantify it.