Traverse Area Calculator

Summary

The Traverse Area Calculator computes the area enclosed by a closed polygon traverse using the Shoelace formula (also called the Gauss area formula or surveyor's formula). Enter the X (Easting) and Y (Northing) coordinates for each station in order, and the tool returns the area in square meters, square feet, acres, and hectares. The polygon is automatically closed by connecting the last point back to the first.

How it works

1. Enter the X (Easting) and Y (Northing) coordinates for each traverse station.
2. Add as many stations as needed using the "Add Station" button.
3. Click "Calculate Area" to apply the Shoelace formula: Area = |Σ(xᵢ × yᵢ₊₁ − xᵢ₊₁ × yᵢ)| / 2.
4. The tool closes the traverse automatically by linking the last point back to the first.
5. Results are displayed in sq meters, sq feet, acres, and hectares.
6. Use "Load Sample" to try a pre-loaded example traverse instantly.

Use cases

• Compute the area of a surveyed land parcel from field traverse data.
• Verify area calculations from total station or GPS coordinate output.
• Check student traverse homework assignments.
• Quickly convert traverse coordinates to area in multiple units.
• Confirm property boundary areas for title or deed purposes.
• Estimate site areas for civil engineering project planning.

Frequently Asked Questions