Areas
 Trapezoidal Rule
 Simpson's Rule
 Other Methods
 Coordinates
 Example

The following notes cover methods for determining the area of land parcels, either using data obtained from field survey measurements or information shown on existing maps and plans.

Uses of Area Calculations

The area of land parcels or regions is often needed as part of a volume calculation, for instance to determine the amount of fertilizer to be applied to a paddock or to determine runoff for stream flow analysis. The legal title description of a land allotment shows the area as well as the dimensions, for example:

Land parcels are not always contained by regular straight line or circular arc boundaries, especially when they front water courses or ridge lines. Methods for surveying these boundaries and computing the enclosed areas are as follows:

Irregular Areas

Trapezoidal Rule
Simpson's Rule
Other Methods

Polygons

Coordinates
Meridian Distance