Nets and generalized quadrangles

There is a new method of constructing generalized quadrangles (GQs) given by S. Löwe, which is based on covering of nets; all GQs with a regular point can be represented in this way. Here we give a method of constructing GQs with a regular point using the so-called content functions on nets. In the last part of the paper we lay the foundations for a research project aiming to use the more general notion of content to classify GQs and maybe to construct new ones.Both authors acknowledge the financial support by CRUI and DAAD in the frame of Programma Vigoni, which made this work possible.