Embodiments provide systems and methods for adaptive reference signal mapping in wireless multi-access communication networks, including LTE, WLAN, WiMAX, Bluetooth, etc. In an embodiment, the reference signal mapping configuration is user equipment (UE) specific and can be configured semi-statically or dynamically according to one or more communication related parameters of the UE. The one or more parameters can include, without limitation, a modulation scheme used for communication with the UE, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) used for communication with the UE, a distance of the UE relative to the base station, an antenna configuration at the UE, interference management capability of the UE, and a rank of the UE.