This study describes the current state of the art related to the assessment of the positional accuracy of spatial databases based on lines. The use of this type of element of spatial databases has increased in recent years because of the current possibilities of acquisition and sharing data of routes, roads, etc. Nowadays, users are also contributors and this supposes that the spatial quality of data acquired and shared by non-experts must be assessed as is the case with data produced by institutions and enterprises. In this context, several methods based on lines have been developed up to this time for several purposes. This study reviews these methods, analyzing their characteristics, measures, etc. In addition, more than 30 applications of these methods are also summarized. These applications include control of generalized and digitized lines, control of spatial databases, analysis of the displacement of lines between dates, etc