By lining up the flag between the two lines an approximate distance can be obtained. Identify the type of function. Research other types of range finders available. Back to Top Item 3. The Surveying sub-topic Perimeter and Area investigates various methods of calculating area by dividing an irregular curved shape into strips.
Integration is another solution - for areas bounded by curves for which an equation can be found.
Here is another method to investigate using an instrument called a planimeter . The planimeter applies mechanical integration to figures of any shape and are considered to be very accurate. It has a block and pin to fix the instrument securely to the paper. There is a pole arm from the block to an integrating unit and a tracing arm from the integrating unit to a tracing point. See the diagrams below.