milepoint

Milepoint is a term used in transportation and travel planning to denote a location along a linear route, such as a highway or railroad, defined by the number of miles from a defined origin. The concept provides a precise reference for maintenance work, incident management, and navigation. In practice, milepoints are measured along the route centerline and are often expressed as MP followed by a distance (for example, MP 25.7). Milepoints help coordinate where to apply road work, place signs, or respond to emergencies; they can be used independently of other signage, such as exit numbers or kilometer markers.

Usage and conventions vary by country and agency. In the United States, milepoints are commonly used in planning and GIS data, while highway signs most often present mileposts or exit numbers; some jurisdictions publish milepoint-based reports for construction projects. Over time, milepoints may be updated when routes are realigned or significant improvements are made, which can shift the mile reference along the corridor.

MilePoint was also the name of an online community and travel-media site focused on airline miles and hotel points. It provided forums, articles, and resources for frequent travelers seeking to maximize loyalty programs. The site operated during the 2000s and 2010s and was eventually absorbed into other digital platforms as the ecosystem of miles-and-points media evolved.