This manuscript considers the formation of two-dimensional (2D) atomic structures in light monochromatic coherent beams. The shape of atomic pattern has strong dependence on spatial structures of field invariants such as intensity and polarization ellipticity of total light field. For two types of dipole transitions j --> j (with half-integer j) andj j --> j + 1, the localization sites are possible in vicinities of circular or linear polarization and minima or maxima of intensity depending on the detuning sign. The topology of the sites varies from points to lines in 2D case in accordance with number and layout of laser beams. The presented results of computer modelling within the bounds of semiclassical approach confirm the connection between the atomic structures and the distribution of field areas with circular polarization and extremums of intensity. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.