Each element that results from a single GPI function has an associated element type.
The element type is generally the graphics-order code associated with the graphics order generated by the GPI function, and is supplied by the system. For example, GpiLine has the element type, OCODE_GCLINE, which identifies it as a line-drawing request. Your application can determine the current classification of an element using GpiQueryElementType.
When using GpiElement or GpiBeginElement, you can simultaneously add several graphics orders to a segment. Those orders become one element of the segment. You can supply your own classification for these compound elements by supplying a value for the type parameter of GpiElement or GpiBeginElement in the range of 0x81000000 through 0XFFFFFFFF.
For example, the orders passed by a single GpiElement function could change the line type to dotted, set the current color to blue, and draw a line. You could classify this element with a type value that identifies it as a blue dotted line.
Note: Element types are used only for classification. They are not used as location markers or correlation tags.