nearvertical

Nearvertical is a descriptive term used to indicate an orientation that is very close to vertical. In most contexts vertical means perpendicular to the horizontal plane; nearvertical means a tilt or dip close to that perpendicular orientation. The exact boundary is context-dependent, but nearvertical generally implies a tilt within a few degrees of 90 degrees from horizontal.

In geology and geotechnical engineering, nearvertical planes include fault surfaces and steeply dipping beds that approach vertical inclination. Such features influence stability, groundwater flow, and seismic response, and they require precise mapping and modeling.

In drilling, excavation, and construction, nearvertical axes describe boreholes, tunnels, or walls that run almost straight up and down. This orientation affects steering, wall support, and load paths, and can increase challenges in construction sequencing and safety planning.

In computer vision and surveying, nearvertical lines or features are those that deviate slightly from a true vertical; they are treated as nearvertical within tolerance thresholds for detection, measurement, and interpretation.

The term is inherently relative; its exact meaning depends on the required precision, the domain, and the involved angles.