Bezugslinie

Bezugslinie is a German term meaning "reference line." It denotes a line that serves as a fixed reference point for measurements, alignment, or comparison. It can be a physical mark, an idealized line, or a coordinate axis.

In technical drawing and engineering, the Bezugslinie is used as a baseline from which dimensions and tolerances are specified. It provides a consistent point of reference for the position of features such as holes, edges, and surfaces. In datum systems, multiple Bezugslinien act as reference lines or planes that define a coordinate frame and influence manufacturing tolerances.

In surveying, cartography and geodesy, a Bezugslinie can refer to a geographic or projected baseline used to define coordinates, elevations, or map projections. It may be a physical line on the ground or a virtual line in a coordinate system; it anchors measurements to a known reference.

In data visualization or statistics, a Bezugslinie appears as a reference line on a chart or graph, such as the x-axis, y=0, a target threshold, or a line of best fit, aiding interpretation or comparison.

The term is cognate with Bezug and Linie, and is used widely in German technical literature to denote any standard line used for measurement, alignment, or analysis.