1. A method comprising: receiving, at processing circuitry associated with a robotic vehicle, map data descriptive of a parcel of land; receiving, at the processing circuitry, information indicative of at least one reference object disposed on the parcel, the at least one reference object having corresponding information for defining boundaries for a work area on the parcel associated therewith, the work area defining an area to be worked by the robotic vehicle, wherein receiving information indicative of the at least one reference object comprises detecting the at least one reference object via a sensor disposed on the robotic vehicle; determining, by the processing circuitry, the boundaries responsive to detection of the at least one reference object, wherein the boundaries are defined relative to known locations of the at least one reference object on the parcel of land; and causing, by the processing circuitry, operation of the robotic vehicle only within the area defined by the boundaries, during the automated performance of a yard maintenance task.