User Guide: Polygons / Outlines

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Contents

Polygons / Outlines

What is a polygon?

Polygon is originally a Greek word which means many corners. The function of a polygon in Wikimapia is to outline the details of the shape of an object (because not all areas or buildings are rectangles). Polygons are also sometimes called contours.

How do I make a polygon?

As of July 2008, you must add a polygon to create a place.

Especially for polygons it is recommended that you use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Adding and deleting polygon dots is 4-5 times faster.

I tried to add new points to a polygon, but I failed. What is the reason?

There are limits for the number of polygon dots as listed here:

Level 0 users: 200 dots

Level 1 users: 500 dots

Level 2 users: 2,000 dots

I tried to create a polygon, but I failed in making it as big as desired. Why?

There are limits for the area a polygon may cover (March 2009):

Level 0 users: ~31.64 km²

Level 1 users: ~244.14 km²

Level 2 users: ~996,006 km²

Can I delete a polygon?

No, unfortunately this isn't possible. You could reduce the polygon to the minimum of three dots (which you can drag into a most minimal shape).

Although if you think the polygon is wrong, you could delete the relevant tag and create a new tag with a new polygon. Don't forget to copy the information and photographs in all languages from the deleted tag to the new tag.

As a temporary workaround, you might decide to reduce the size of the misplaced/misshapen polygon to the absolute minimum. Tip: Enlarge the area to be edited to maximum and then delete all but three of the outlining points (small red squares) by placing the mouse cursor on each square, left clicking and then choosing the delete option for that particular outline point.

Can I revert a polygon to the state before it was vandalized?

No, this feature is unfortunately not provided (yet).

I added a polygon for a place but my edit count stayed the same. Why?

Polygons are being counted separately, which you can see under the stats tab in your profile.

What area of a tag should I mark with a polygon?

You should only create a polygon that outlines the immediate area of the place you are tagging. For example, you can mark the outline of a building's structure or you could mark the outline of the building's surrounding property, this should always depend on what you are tagging. Don't overlap an adjacent area that is not part of the tag.

Also keep this in mind if you are using Beta, if you do mark the object directly (and not it's grounds or property) be sure to check the building icon box in the edit menu. This will ensure the object's polygon will depict an individual building in the Map View. For tags that include external grounds, the box should not be checked, otherwise the boundaries of the polygon will represent a 'building'.

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