What are 2D Barcodes – Symbologies that are capable of storing more information than can normally be contained in a conventional linear barcode. These include:
 |
DATAMATRIX – a square symbology, of varying densities used extensively in part marking as a large number of characters can fit in a small space: |
 |
PDF417 – can be printed at a variety of aspect ratios and densities. Used in transportation, manifests, and personal ID including state driver’s licenses. |
Others include AZTEC, MAXICODE, and QR Code. 2D Barcodes can serve as portable data files, enabling the user to access information such as lot processing, shipment manifest, and serial number/sku data remote from the network database.
Codes such as PDF can be read by linear scanners that can rasterize in both axis. Datamatrix is a matrix code and requires an imager reader, which algorithmically processes the image. Imager scanners are effectively digital cameras with integrated processors and therefore can also capture images such as signatures. As with linear barcode scanners, they can interface as keyboard wedges or via a serial port.
