Which aspect of means of egress includes both vertical and horizontal travel?

The aspect of means of egress that encompasses both vertical and horizontal travel is indeed the means of egress itself. This term refers to the entire path that individuals take to exit a building safely in the event of an emergency. It includes all elements involved in moving from the point of occupancy to a safe location outside, including exit access, exits, and exit discharge.

The means of egress is designed to ensure that people can navigate through various spaces efficiently, whether they are ascending, descending, or moving laterally. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for architects and designers, as it informs decisions about building layouts, safety regulations, and the overall efficacy of emergency escape routes.

In contrast to the means of egress, other terms such as exit access, exit discharge, and public way describe more specific segments or contexts within the broader framework of egress. For instance, exit access refers specifically to the portion of a means of egress leading to the exit, while exit discharge covers the part that leads from the exit to a public way. Thus, while they each contribute to the overall egress experience, they do not encapsulate both dimensions of movement as fully as the means of egress does.