Abstract: A system and method for selecting a cartographically-preferred label position from a plurality of potential label positions for a feature on a computer-generated map. The mechanism analyzes each pixel within each potential label position to determine the presence of a colliding label or a colliding feature, and calculates a total penalty for each potential label position. Then, based on the several total penalties, the mechanism determines which of the potential label positions is the cartographically-preferable label position and places the label in that label position.

Abstract: A system and method for generating multiple potential label positions for a polygon at run time, rather than selecting from pre-configured label positions. The present invention analyzes the visible portion of the polygon to generate potential label positions dynamically based on the visible portion of the polygon, rather than using pre-configured label positions. As many rectangles are created as can fit within the visible portion of the polygon, and which can support the placement of a label. The rectangles are sized in accordance with the size of the label to be displayed. Once the rectangles are created, the present invention allows for the selection of one of the rectangles as a preferred label position for the polygon. The present invention also allows for the generation of a form following baseline created by connecting the centerpoints of horizontally disposed rectangles, and then smoothing the resulting baseline until a desirable baseline is obtained.