Calculation of Areas from offsets to a Base line

Prabhu TL
2 Min Read
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The area may be calculated by the rule:

·         ü Mid-ordinate Rule

·         ü Average ordinate Rule

·         ü Trapezoidal rule

·         ü Simpson’s Rule

1.Mid-ordinate rule:

Area = (O1+O2+……….+on)d

O1, O2   = the ordinates at the mid points of each division

n           = number of divisions

L          = Length of base line= nd

d          = Distance of each division

2.Average ordinate Rule

Area  = ((O1+O2+……On)/(n+1))L

O1, O2….= Ordinates at the end of each division

3. Trapezoidal Rule

Area= (((O0+On)/2)+(O0+O2+……On-1))d

4. Simpson’s Rule

Area = ((d/3) x ((O0+On+4(O1+O3+On-1)+2(O2+O4+….+On-2))

Example: 1

The following perpendicular offsets were taken at 10 meter intervals from a survey line to an irregular boundary line.

3.15m, 4.3m, 8.2m, 5.6m, 6.85m, 7.6m, 4.2m, 5.6m, 4.3m

Calculate the area enclosed between the survey line, the irregular boundary line, and first and last offsets, by the application of

a)     Average ordinate rule

b)    Trapezoidal rule

c)     Simpson’s rule

Average     

d        = the interval between the offset = 10 m

n        = number of divisions    = 8

n+1 = number of ordinates      = 8+1 =9

L=  Length of the base line      = 8 x 10 = 80m

a)    Average ordinate rule

Area  = ((O1+O2+……On)/(n+1))L

O1, O2….= Ordinates at the end of each division

Area = (( 3.15 + 4.3 + 8.2+ 5.6 + 6.85 + 7.6 + 4.2 + 5.6 + 4.3 )/(8+1)) x 80 =442.66m2

b)    Trapezoidal rule

Area= (((O0+On)/2)+(O0+O2+……On-1))d

Area = (3.725 + 42.35) x10 =460.75m2

c)     Simpson’s rule

Area= 10/3(7.45 +92.4 +38.5)  = 461.167m2

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Prabhu TL is a SenseCentral contributor covering digital products, entrepreneurship, and scalable online business systems. He focuses on turning ideas into repeatable processes—validation, positioning, marketing, and execution. His writing is known for simple frameworks, clear checklists, and real-world examples. When he’s not writing, he’s usually building new digital assets and experimenting with growth channels.
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