A hub for an optical shape sensing reference includes a hub body (606) configured to receive an elongated flexible instrument (622) with a shape sensing system coupled to the flexible instrument within a path formed in the hub body. A profile (630) is formed in the hub body in the path to impart a hub template configured to distinguish a portion of the elongated flexible instrument within the hub in shape sensing data. An attachment mechanism (616) is formed on the hub body to detachably connect the hub body to a deployable instrument such that a change in a position of the hub body indicates a corresponding change in the deployable device.