Linear Referencing
A method for storing and analysing data about features along a linear element (such as roads or rivers) using relative positions rather than absolute coordinates (inferred from standard GIS usage).
How does linear referencing work?
In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), linear referencing is a technique that, instead of utilizing conventional coordinate systems, enables you to locate features along a linear path—such as roads, railroads, or rivers—using a distance-based measurement from a known beginning point.
Instead of utilizing latitude and longitude, a traffic sign can read "kilometre 15.5 on Highway 7." This facilitates the mapping and management of features along roads.
Primary Uses:
Planning for transportation
Utility administration (cables, pipelines)
Traffic analysis and road upkeep
Monitoring of the environment along rivers or coastlines
Events or features connected to linear infrastructures can be easily tracked and updated dynamically and effectively with linear referencing.
Related Keywords
In geographic information systems, a linear referencing system (LRS) uses positions along a linear feature, like a road, pipeline, or river, to store and analyse geographic data. LRS determines locations by their distance (measure) from a known point along the line, as opposed to using conventional coordinates. This eliminates the need to divide the line into several parts and enables effective management of characteristics like accidents, speed limitations, or utility connections.
In linear referencing, dynamic segmentation is a GIS approach that enables parts of a linear feature, like a road, to be associated with numerous attributes or events (such as speed restrictions, pavement conditions, or accident locations) without requiring the road to be divided into several segments. By dynamically generating segments according to the attributes being searched, it makes it possible to store, analyse, and visualize data along a continuous path in an effective manner.
By locating features based on their distance from a start point, pipeline stationing with linear referencing makes it simple to map, inspect, and manage pipeline assets.
With the use of linear referencing, route events in GIS enable the mapping of data (such speed limits, accidents, or construction zones) along a route using distance measurements as opposed to fixed coordinates. It is perfect for managing transportation networks and linear infrastructure since events are located according to their position along a line (such as a roadway or pipeline) rather than utilizing x-y positions.