Marks with curved edges are used in data patterns and sensed with proximity recording. Circular, elliptical, and oval marks are examples of marks with curved edges that can be used in the present invention. The marks with curved edges are used to define data patterns (e.g. position error signal patterns) as a function of radius. If the marks with curved edges have been recorded longitudinally, an amplitude of a read back signal, such as a peak amplitude, is determined in order to generate a position error signal. If the marks with curved edges have been recorded vertically, an area under the curve of the read back signal is determined in order to generate a position error signal.