A reference point or starting point used as a standard for measurement or comparison in a system.
From 'base' (Latin 'basis') + 'point' (Latin 'punctum,' a dot). Used in mathematics, surveying, and navigation since the 17th century.
Surveyors use basepoints to map entire cities—if your basepoint is off by an inch, your whole city map could be wrong by miles, which is why they're so carefully protected.
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