def get_start(model):
    """
    Get the start position of a (feature) location. For point locations
    the position value is returned. In case of uncertain start end,
    the minimum is returned.
    """
    if model.get("location"):
        model = model["location"]
    if model["type"] == "range":
        if model["start"].get("uncertain"):
            return get_start(model["start"])
        else:
            return model["start"]["position"]
    elif model["type"] == "point":
        return model["position"]