EVALUATION OF THE TRANSECT AREA - METER METHOD OF MEASURING MAP AREAS

Planimetering of map areas was studied to find a more efficient method in terms of speed and accuracy, than those currently in use. A transect method was developed using a simple map measurer which was adapted to scan the transects, to mark area covered, and to store accumulated lengths of transects scanned. The modified version of the instrument, called a transect area meter was tested against the dot grid and the polar planimeter used as standards of speed and accuracy respectively and found to be both faster and more accurate than conventional methods.