Linking Patterns

Linking patterns or fielding patterns are different ways in the Scanner to arrange Links and Control Fields Δ.

Control Field Δ Maximization

Main article: Control Field#Advanced Field Building

Many linking patterns or algorithms have been developed with the goal of maximizing the number of Control Fields Δ or Control Field Δ layers out of a set of Portals. These include Pyramid Fields, Cobweb Fields, Fan Fields and others.

Link Star

Cross-faction link star.

Link Stars are formations where many Links are created to a single destination Portal. Typically Link Stars are linked outside-in, because there is a low limit of 8 outbound Links from a Portal (can be raised to 40 with SBUL). Thus creating a large Link Star requires extensive farming for Portal Keys  for the anchor Portal. There can be up to 8192 inbound Links.

Most Link Star events are organized independently by Agents, as a recreational event. However, Niantic's 2018 Dark XM Cure event required the creation of Link Stars with at least 50 Links at predetermined Portals.

The creation of Link Stars requires clearing out areas of enemy Portals, and also friendly Links — often requiring lots of Flip Cards. With a single anchor, obviously the whole Link Star must be created by a single faction. However, have also been cross-faction Link Star events with a few separate anchor Portals.

Trivia: The world record is held by Enlightened Agents  in a Link Star connecting multiple Northern European countries to Sweden. The limit of 8192 inbound Links was reached.

Field Art

"Phoenix" Field Art in Moscow.

Field Art refers to using Links and Control Fields Δ to create images or visually pleasing formations. Field Art operations are very commonly Agent-organized cross-faction events, where faction colours are used as "colours" in the art. Having both factions present also makes it much easier to clear out areas, without the use of Flip Cards.

Trivia: During the Dark XM Cure event, Helsinki Enlightened Agents  designed a cross-faction Field Art in central Helsinki, as a trick to get help from Resistance Agents  in keeping strategic Portals clear and linkable. The Field Art was a success, but ultimately the Enlightened  did not achieve the objective of linking to Tampere.

See also: Item Art

Throwing Blankets

Blankets are Control Fields Δ created over large land areas, often whole cities, as a competition between hardcore Agents to establish their faction's dominance over the area. A blanket Control Field Δ prevents Agents within (of either faction) from creating Links (over 500m long) and Control Fields Δ, and as such is a nuisance to casual Agents. Blankets with many layers can even completely obscure the street map in the Scanner.