Overlaps (spatial predicate)

True when two geometries overlap partially (they share some interior area) but neither fully contains the other.

Category: Topology · Also known as: ST_Overlaps, overlaps predicate

Definition (expanded)

Overlaps is a stricter relationship than Intersects. For polygons, it generally means the intersection has area, and both polygons have parts outside the intersection. If one contains the other, overlaps is typically false.

Examples

PostGIS overlaps

SQL

SELECT ST_Overlaps(a.geom, b.geom) FROM a, b;

Common mistakes

Using Overlaps when you really want Intersects (Overlaps excludes containment cases).

Related terms

Intersects (spatial predicate)True when two geometries share any point in common (touching or overlapping).Contains (spatial predicate)True if geometry A completely contains geometry B (B is inside A, not just touching the edge).Within (spatial predicate)True if geometry A lies completely inside geometry B (the inverse of Contains).Touches (spatial predicate)True when two geometries touch at the boundary but do not overlap in area (or interior).