Literary notes about fiducial (AI summary)
In historical literature, the term "fiducial" is often imbued with a sense of foundational importance, serving as a critical reference point against which other measurements or observations are gauged. For instance, in Marco Polo's account, the "fiducial line"—also known by the name Alhidada—is mentioned alongside other measuring instruments like the Dioptra, underscoring its role as a reliable, standardized marker in navigation and spatial measurement [1]. This usage highlights how early writers relied on fiducial elements not only to ensure precision in their descriptions but also to establish a common point of reference that enabled consistent understanding and communication of complex spatial data.