Imaginary line

For the technical use in mathematics, see Imaginary line (mathematics).

Time zone borders are imaginary lines

In general, an imaginary line is usually any sort of geometric line (more generally, curves) that has only an abstract definition and does not physically exist. They are often used to properly identify places on a map.

Some outside geography do exist. A centerline is a nautical term for a line down the center of a vessel lengthwise.

Examples

Geography

As a geographical concept, an imaginary line may serve as an arbitrary division, such as

• Antarctic Circle,
• Arctic Circle,
• Border,
• International Date Line,
• Latitude, including the Equator,
• Longitude, the Prime Meridian, the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. Any axis about which an object spins is an imaginary line.
• Mason–Dixon line, which informally marks pieces of the borders of four U.S. states: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, once part of Virginia. Symbolically, the line separates the Northern United States from the Southern United States,
• Missouri Compromise Line,
• Time zones.

Science and engineering

• Line of sight
• Optical ray
• Force lines in mechanical and structural engineering
• Field lines for electric and magnetic fields

See also

• Imaginary line (mathematics)

External links and references

• World Geography Glossary