Abstract: The degree to which a linearly extending feature, such as a road, curves is indicated using a bowing coefficient. The bowing coefficient at a given location along a linearly extending feature is determined by comparing the distance along the feature between two points on either side of the given location (or an approximation of the distance) to a straight-line distance between these same two points. Bowing coefficient data can be used by various vehicle systems that require information about the curvature of linearly extending features, such as roads upon which the vehicle is traveling.