A binary code symbol for non-linear strain measurement that can be constructed in any geometric shape having a solid, continuous perimeter containing straight line segments. The symbol includes finder cells to “orient” the symbol in order to associate strain measurements with physical dimensions; and contains encoded data in “data regions” and/or “utility regions.” The data and utility regions can be distinct and separate, combined, exclusive (i.e. data regions and no utility regions, or utility regions and no data regions), or omitted. The data “density” can be varied depending upon the application, by varying the number of distinct data or utility cells present in the data regions or utility regions.