lárétt

Lóðrétt is an Icelandic term that denotes vertical direction, orientation, or alignment. It describes movement or positioning that is perpendicular to the horizon, i.e., along the vertical axis, and is the counterpart to lárétt, which denotes horizontal orientation.

In geometry, cartography, and surveying, lóðrétt refers to lines, measurements, and coordinates that run parallel to the vertical axis. It is used to describe heights, elevations, and vertical distances, and to distinguish them from horizontal (lárétt) distances. In engineering and construction, lóðrétt indicates elements positioned upright, such as columns, walls, and other vertical members, and it is important for understanding load paths, buckling resistance, and vertical alignment.

In photography, printing, and display contexts, lóðrétt is used to describe the portrait orientation—where the image or page is taller than it is wide—contrasted with lárétt (landscape orientation).

Across scientific disciplines, lóðrétt is applied to differentiate vertical from horizontal components, such as the vertical component of a force in physics or vertical datums in geodesy. The term is commonly used in everyday language to discuss vertical levels, heights, and structures, as well as in technical specifications and measurements where vertical reference frames are important.