A method for defining boundaries for a work area of a robotic vehicle may include receiving map data descriptive of a parcel of land and receiving information indicative of at least one reference object disposed on the parcel. The at least one reference object may have corresponding information for defining boundaries for a work area on the parcel associated therewith. The work area may define an area to be worked by a robotic vehicle. The method may further include determining the boundaries responsive to detection of the at least one reference object, and operating the robotic vehicle to remain within the area defined by the boundaries.