Referenzstellung

Referenzstellung, or reference position, denotes a standardized pose, orientation, or arrangement used as a baseline for measurement, alignment, or comparison. It provides a reproducible starting point from which deviations, changes, or tolerances can be assessed. The concept is widely used across disciplines, with the exact definition tailored to context.

Applications span several fields. In dentistry and dental prosthetics, imaging and occlusal analysis rely on a defined head and jaw position to ensure consistent records and fittings. In biomechanics and ergonomics, neutral or natural postures serve as baseline for assessing joint angles and movement. In engineering and manufacturing, parts and assemblies are oriented in fixed reference positions to define coordinate systems and to control tolerances. In photography and optics, a standard pose or camera orientation may act as a reference for comparative evaluation.

Establishment and use involve defining the posture, employing fixtures or supports to reproduce it, and documenting the conditions (such as body or head position, equipment settings, and environmental factors). Reproducibility is central; practitioners train to replicate the position and record any deviations as part of the results. The referenzstellung remains a practical convention rather than an absolute state, and its precise definition is adapted to the requirements and guidelines of each field.