by reference to

[White Hat]

I need someone to tell me if 'by reference to' could be used to mean 'taking into account'.

Here's an example from a well-known online dictionary:

The numbers were calculated by reference to the most recent census.

I appreciate it.

 

[Rover_KE]

See definition 4 in the link: by consulting.

 

[White Hat]

What about the ones below?

1) The data are available by practice, for all practices in a clinical commissioning group, and for groups of practices classified as being similar through having populations with similar levels of deprivation, or by reference to a set of characteristics used to define practice peer groups. (by Chantelle Elizabeth Wiseman and Richard Baker)

2) ... decision to issue gender reassignment certificate to be made having regard solely to applicants' external physical characteristics or also by reference to applicants' internal physical characteristics ... (Supreme Court of Western Australia)

Does 'by reference to' mean 'taking into account' here?

 

[White Hat]

Also found this one:

These “banked” amounts are up-rated each year by reference to inflation. (University of Dublin)


If 'by reference to' does mean 'taking into account', I'd use it all the time in my translations.

 

[White Hat]

I want to KNOW. Please help.

 

[White Hat]

Looks like another grey area in English. Sad.