Geometries
What can you encode?
Start with a position. Add direction, connect locations, or describe a boundary. This guide walks through the geometries you can encode and the controls that shape them.
Looking for applications? Explore the use cases. For code length and integrity, visit Technology.
2D point
← All geometriesA position, with room around it.
A 2D point defines a position and an optional radius.
- Place one marker and choose Point.
- Adjust the radius.
A zero radius represents the position alone. Use a polygon for a boundary with its own shape.
E-Codes
← All geometriesTruncated 2D reference.
A shortened reference to a 2D position, resolved using Location Context.
- Generate: Open the E-Code map and place a marker.
- Resolve: Paste the code and provide Location Context. Check the recovered position if needed.
3D point
← All geometriesA position with a vertical reference.
A 3D point adds elevation or a floor number to a position.
- Place one marker, choose Point, and switch to 3D.
- Set the elevation or floor number and adjust the radius.
The point lies above or below its ground marker. The radius defines a horizontal area at the same level.
Vector
← All geometriesA position with direction and magnitude.
A vector adds direction, an elevation angle, and distance or speed to a position. *
- Place one marker, choose Vector, and switch to 3D.
- Set the azimuth and elevation angle, choose Distance or Speed, and adjust the magnitude.
* The anchor is at ground level. Anchor elevation is planned.
Link
← All geometriesTwo positions. One connection.
A link follows a WGS84 geodesic from a start point to a destination. Both endpoints are part of the reference.
- Place two markers.
- Choose Link and move either marker to adjust the connection.
The geodesic is a direct connection along the Earth’s surface, not a calculated driving route. Use a route to describe a path with intermediate turns.
Route
← All geometriesA path through several positions.
A route connects an ordered sequence of positions.
- Place more than two markers in path order.
- Choose Route in the map geometry controls and adjust the markers to shape the path.
It does not calculate a driving route. The fitted corners can differ from your markers. Higher precision can reduce these offsets.
Polygon
← All geometriesA closed shape around an area.
A polygon describes the boundary of an area.
- Place three or more markers around the boundary.
- Choose Polygon and adjust the markers and precision.
The fitted corners can differ from your markers. Higher precision can reduce these offsets.
Rectangle
← All geometriesA footprint with
length and width.
A rectangle describes a regular footprint. Its dimensions and azimuth define the shape and the direction it faces.
- Place four markers and choose Rectangle.
- Move the markers to adjust the dimensions. Adjust the azimuth to rotate the geometry.
Automatic mode can also select a rectangle if it best fits the markers. Choose Rectangle to keep the shape rectangular.
Square
← All geometriesA footprint with
equal sides.
A square describes a regular footprint with equal sides. Its side length and azimuth define its size and orientation.
- Place four markers and choose Square.
- Move the markers to adjust the dimensions. Adjust the azimuth to rotate the geometry.
Automatic mode can also select a square if it best fits the markers. Choose Square to keep the shape square.