What is the maximum elevation of a round's flight path known as?

The maximum elevation of a round's flight path is referred to as the ordinate. In ballistic terms, the ordinate represents the highest point that a projectile reaches during its flight, which is crucial for understanding how the round will travel and perform in different environments or against various targets. Knowledge of the ordinate is essential for effective targeting and ensures that shooters can plan for the round's altitude, wind impact, and potential drop on the descent. This understanding aids in optimizing the engagement of targets, accounting for elevation changes in the terrain, and adjusting fire as necessary to achieve accuracy.