Tagging apparatus associated with applying and reading a tag adapted to store a number. The tag comprising a plurality of substantially identical two dimensional arrays of dots, each array being indicative of the number for improving tag detection; each arrays comprise a plurality of clusters, each cluster representing a predetermined symbol being indicative of a part of the number. An etching apparatus, for creating a pattern of dots, comprising a plurality of laser sources held in a manifold defining any one or more of a vector grid, or array grid. A tagging reading apparatus comprising a lens element being adapted to control focus, zoom and ingress light; an image capture element for obtaining image data; a processor element adapted to apply one or more digital processing functions to the image; the processor element being adapted to calculate code data indicative of the tag number.