For Maximum Elevation Figures (MEFs), how is the elevation rounded up?

Maximum Elevation Figures (MEFs) are designed to provide a safety margin for navigation by indicating the highest terrain or vertical obstruction within a designated area. When calculating MEFs, the elevation figures are rounded up to the next higher hundred feet. This rounding practice is critical because it ensures that pilots maintain a safe altitude while flying over mountainous or uneven terrain, thereby minimizing the risk of collision with obstacles.

Rounding to the next higher hundred feet provides a consistent margin of safety and is part of standard procedures in aviation. This method aids pilots in planning their altitude during flight operations, especially in areas where terrain may be significantly elevated. The use of 100-foot increments helps standardize the figures presented on navigational charts, making them easier for pilots to interpret and act upon.