Retrieving points that can be plotted in a predetermined area are achieved where the locations of the points are indexed in an index that includes regional data. The regional data defines a plurality of regions, and each region encompasses one or more of the points. In addition, the index includes linking data, which, for each region, identifies the point or points encompassed by that region. The method includes (i) reviewing the regional data in the index to identify regions that are wholly contained by the predetermined area; and (ii) reviewing the linking data to retrieve points encompassed by the identified regions.