Statistics Definitions > Curvilinear Regression
Coordinates
Although Cartesian coordinate planes are drilled into us in school, the reality is very few real life events or data sets fit that neatly right-angled system. Coordinate systems are curvilinear if they are made from intersecting, curved surfaces.
The mathematics behind these beautiful coordinate systems are beyond the scope of this statistics site. However, you can find what I consider to be a clear description (mathematically speaking) of the system on James Foadi’s site.
Reference:
Foadi, J. 2005. Gradient, Divergence and Curl. Available online here.