Area

In the Tygron Platform, an area is comprised of a polygon, a name and a number of attributes, which can be completely user-defined. Areas do not do much on their own, but can be used in conjunction with Overlays, TQL and Excel to implement powerful and complex calculations for a project.

Generic uses of areas

A polygon is effectively just an polygon with a number of attributes. It does not interact or interfere with other components of a project directly, such as constructions, neighborhoods, or terrains. Areas also generally don't interact with each other directly. They can be drawn anywhere in the map, even overlapping one another.

Because areas can be drawn basically anywhere, they can be used for several of these purposes at the same time. Some areas may be drawn to indicate one thing, while other areas are drawn to calculate something else. By using attributes, it's possible to differentiate between areas for different purposes.

Marking specific locations or buildings

Its possible that, during a project, a specific location needs to be checked for the presence of something. For example, buildings with a specific function or category, or a type of terrain. Using a TQL query, such locations can be checked. But to do this, a polygon must mark that location. Because zones and neighborhoods have specific meanings, it may be undesirable to redraw those just to facilitate a query. Areas can be used to indicate a location instead.

Integrating spatial data

Because areas can be given attributes, areas can be used to indicate spatial data not covered by other components of the Tygron Platform. The data can then be used in, and manipulated by, other parts of the Tygron Platform or by calculation models implemented when editing the project. This allows the Tygron Platform to support projects beyond basic city planning.

Overlays

Main article: Areas (Overlay).

Areas can be added to an areas overlay. This overlay can be used to present information to the user. By using areas, the information displayed by the overlay can be directly related to calculations based on those areas. The overlay can also be changed during the session, if the areas change their polygon or color.