Mask layout editor shape query

A computer program product stored on machine readable media and comprising machine executable instructions for incorporation into a layout editor for layout of a circuit design, the instructions for display of the layout of the circuit design, the product comprising instructions for:

• receiving query input comprising location information comprising at least one of a location of an object, coordinates for a point and a region of points;
• querying a design layout for object information associated with the location information by querying at least one of each layer within the design layout and selected layers within the design layout;
• and
• reporting the object information for objects that are one of associated with a location, within a two-dimensional boundary and within a three-dimensional boundary to the layout editor for output.

A system for editing a layout of a circuit, the system comprising:

• processing, display, storage, input and output resources for executing machine readable instructions stored in the storage;
• the machine readable instructions for displaying a layout of a circuit design, and providing object information by instructions for:
• receiving query input comprising location information;
• querying a design layout for object information associated with the location information;
• and
• reporting the object information.