Linear Referencing Definition

linear referencing

[linear referencing] A method for storing geographic data by using a relative position along an already existing line feature; the ability to uniquely identify positions along lines without explicit x,y coordinates. In linear referencing, location is given in terms of a known line feature and a position, or measure, along the feature. Linear referencing is an intuitive way to associate multiple sets of attributes to portions of linear features. An example of a linear reference is saying "seven feet west of mile marker 234 on Route 52."