1. A method of generating user-specified information, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of points selected on a map, the plurality of points forming a first continuous line having one or more vertices; generating a closed polygon having a plurality of edges, wherein at least one edge forms a second continuous line substantially parallel to and spaced apart at a distance from the first continuous line, the distance being greater than zero; determining a plurality of coordinate pairs, each coordinate pair associated with a point on the plurality of edges of the closed polygon; and retrieving user specified information for an area enclosed by the plurality of coordinate pairs.