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MapSVG 9/Documentation/Data

Regions versus Objects

Regions and Objects serve different purposes even when both are shown in a directory.

Regions describe SVG shapes

Section titled “Regions describe SVG shapes”

A Region record corresponds to a supported SVG element with a stable ID, such as US-CA. The SVG defines its geometry. The record provides data such as title, status, description, or your custom values.

Do not add a Location field to a Regions Collection to position regions. A region is already positioned by its SVG shape. To change the shape or its ID, use the SVG editor. To change its information, edit the Region record.

An SVG edit can leave old records without a matching shape. Their data may still exist in the Collection; that does not mean the SVG should draw an extra region.

Objects describe places or other items

Section titled “Objects describe places or other items”

An Object record is independent of the SVG. It can represent a store, office, property, person, or any other item. An Object with a usable Location can produce a marker. An Object without Location can still appear in a directory or be linked to a region.

Use one Location field for the record’s position. Geographic coordinates and SVG coordinates serve different map types; use geographic coordinates for a calibrated USA/Google overlay project.

Section titled “Link Objects to Regions”

The relation between Objects and Regions lets a region represent multiple records. For example, California can contain two office records while New York contains one.

In the Object form, set its Regions relation to the appropriate region IDs from the intended Regions Collection. Keep the Page’s bindings pointed at compatible Queries. A relation to another map’s Regions Collection does not automatically connect it to the visible SVG.

Use Region Data rules with an Object source when appearance depends on connected records. Configure the multiple-value behavior deliberately: several linked records can provide different values.

Choose the right directory source

Section titled “Choose the right directory source”
  • Use the Page’s Regions binding for a list of states or districts.
  • Use its Objects binding for a list of stores or offices.

Filters should use the same binding as the records you intend to filter. See Queries and Page bindings.