What is Planimeter? Advantages & Applications of Planimeter Types of Planimeter| Digital Planimeter
What is Planimeter? Advantages & Applications of Planimeter Types of Planimeter| Digital Planimeter| Uses & Benefits of Planimeter
What is Planimeter?
A planimeter is a measuring instrument used by surveyors and engineers to calculate the area of a planar figure.
Planimeter, also known as a planimeter or planimeter calculators, is a device which can measure areas. It originally consisted of a flat plate which could be given rotational or linear motion.
The caliper uses the change in distance to measure and calculate surface area.
A planimeter consists of a movable dial connected to an indicator set in a fixed base. The dial, when rotated, traces a path around the perimeter of a figure.
The area of the figure can be calculated by multiplying the length of the curve traced by the planimeter by the distance the base moves.
The planimeter is a measuring instrument used to calculate the area of a planar figure.
The term “planimeter” is a combination of two words: “plan” and “measurement”. A planimeter consists of a movable dial connected to an indicator set in a fixed base.
Planimeters are used in engineering and construction for calculating and checking the areas involved in many tasks, such as calculating floor area.
A planimeter is a tool that is used to measure the area of a plane figure. It is a mechanical calculator that is designed to simplify the process of measuring planar areas by displaying the results in rectangular coordinates.
A planimeter is an instrument used in calculating the area of a plane. It is a mechanical calculator which simplifies the process of measuring planar areas by calculating the results in rectangular coordinates.
Types of Planimeter
The main types of mechanical planimeter includes;
- A Linear Planimeter
- Amsler Polar Planimeter
- Polar Planimeter
- Digital Planimeter
- Prytz’s Planimeter
Applications and Uses of Planimeter
Planimeter is used as a mathematical instrument. It is used for the purpose of measuring and calculating the area of plane figure.
It is also used in the building trade to calculate areas of large floors.
A planimeter can be used to measure the area of irregular shapes by tracing an outline or perimeter, which then translates into a flat shape, often a rectangle.
A flat-surfaced material such as paper is put on top of the object, and then a pencil or pen trace around it in order to mark its extent.
The area of the traced outline is multiplied by the length of the outer edge (diameter) to obtain a measure of the surface area.
A skilled person can calculate the area of irregular shapes such as square, cube, cylinder, spherical surfaces, etc. With a planimeter he can count out and mark on any number measuring board and then use this board to obtain a flat surface measurement.
The planimeter is also used in manufacturing industry to measure objects in factories.
What is a Digital Planimeter?
Digital planimeter is an electronic version of the mechanical planimeter. The digital planimeter is made up of a large number of small counters that can be programmed to display the area of any plane figure.
Digital planimeter has hundreds, thousands, or even millions of counters which enable to calculate of the area with great precision. The pointer is moved in response to the rotation of a handle or dial.
Benefits of Digital Planimeter
1. Convenience:
Digital planimeters are convenient to use for any kinds of irregular or regular plane surface measurement like walls, rooms, house and farm land, etc.
2. Better accuracy:
Digital planimeters provide greater accuracy than conventional planimeter. Digital planimeters use digital electronics to display and store the value of area. Digital planimeter provides accuracy up to 0. 25 mm/min.
3. Easy To Operate:
Digital planimeter is easy to operate due to its easy operation facility. It only requires a push of a button. It is not necessary to do some complicated calculations while using digital planimeter especially in areas with large surfaces such as houses, rooms and farms etc.
Uses of Digital Planimeter
Digital planimeter can be used to measure the area of irregular shapes by tracing an outline or perimeter, which then translates into a flat shape, often a rectangle.
A skilled person can calculate the area of irregular shapes such as square, cube, cylinder or spherical surfaces. With a digital planimeter he can count out and mark on any number measuring board and then use this board to obtain a flat surface measurement.
Advantages of Digital Planimeter
1. Accuracy:
The digital planimeter is a highly accurate instrument. It provides accuracy up to 0.25 mm.
Digital planimeter is used in the construction industry to measure the area of larger constructions with great accuracy such as an apartment, houses or other rooms in buildings.
2. Speed:
The digital planimeter can be used quickly and accurately due to its efficiency and convenience.
3. Portability:
Digital planimeters are compact, light and portable which make it easy to use anywhere at any time.
4. No calculation are required for area:
The digital planimeter is an example of direct reading measuring instrument. Digital planimeter records the value directly.
5. Area can be measured in any desired unit:
Digital planimeters can measure area in any desired unit.
Differences Between Analog and Digital Planimeters?
The most important difference between analog and digital planimeters is that one is operated manually while the other is electronically.
Traditional planimeters operate by using human power to physically track the distance between two points on a graph.
distance is measured with a wheel and lever system that calculates the area based on the radius of the wheel.
Electronic planimeters, however, use a digital display to calculate and display an area value.
These devices use electronic components to compute an area as accurately as possible, but sometimes suffer from inaccuracies due to poor calibration or sloppy workmanship.
Planimeter FAQs
Who invented the planimeter?
Johann Martin Hermann, a Bavarian surveyor, created the first planimeter in 1818, which is a device that traces a curve with a needle point coupled to a measuring wheel that translates the length of the tracing to the result of an integral function.
Jacob Amsler, a Swiss mathematician, and designer of several measuring equipment produced the first polar planimeter in 1854.
It was far simpler, easier to use, and more accurate than previously invented planimeters, and it immediately surpassed them in popularity.
What exactly is a planimeter?
A planimeter is a surveying device used to calculate the area of any given plan. To compute area, a planimeter just requires a plan sketched on a sheet. In general, determining the area of an irregular plot is extremely difficult. So, we can easily compute the area of any form by using a planimeter.
What are some applications of planimeter?
The main applications of planimeter include:
- Measurement, Planning and Control of Building and Civil Engineering
- Measurement of Multiply Traced Figures
- Measuring Floor Area,
What are the uses of planimeter?
A planimeter, also known as a platometer, is a measuring instrument used to determine the area of an arbitrary two-dimensional shape.
Who uses Digital Planimeter?
The main uses of a digital planimeter include:
– laying out and layout of any shape or surface
– measuring flat surfaces in the factory or plant floor
– measuring irregular shapes,
How does digital planimeter work?
Digital planimeters, also known as planimeter, operate by converting the value of an area into an electronic signal.
The electronic signal is then transferred to a display and a human can read it based on their experience for possible measurement.
Digital planimeters are used in a wide range of area measurement uses from the living room to a huge factory floor.
How to calculate area with digital planimeter?
The following steps need to be followed for the proper measuring result:
- Place the digital planimeter on the scale and setup zero. (Important before starting calculation)
- Write down equipment’s scale on weighed paper or ruler or markers so that we can later read off the value on it and display it on the device screen.
- Push the button that corresponds with the scale. The readout is displayed on the device screen.
- Use the cursor keys to move 0 to 10 digit-inches from the initial position and write down a value of area in mm/inch on a sheet of paper.
- Place this value on a different sheet of paper and also done for the rest of the units (in cc, cm, etc.).
- Look at the area of the rectangle you write on step 5. Compute your area:(A x B)
What is the most important feature of a digital planimeter?
Digital planimeters are highly accurate. They provide accuracy up to 0.25 mm. Digital planimeter is used in the construction industry to measure the area of larger structures with great accuracy such as an apartment, houses or other rooms in buildings.
9. What are the types of Planimeter?
The main types of planimeter include:
- Linear Planimeter
- Amsler Polar Planimeter
- Polar Planimeter
- Digital Planimeter
How to use a digital planimeter?
To use a digital planimeter, you have to follow the following steps:
- Select an appropriate scale (or multiple scales) for a given measurement need.
- Zero the device and select a suitable instrument.
- Select a scale to be used.
- Set the device to zero, and note the new zero position.
- Place the pointer on the appropriate area of a plan, drawing a line from the scale’s zero point to an indicated mark or point on the plan. The instrument will display a distance between two points in millimeters
- Read off the results on paper
- If necessary, adjust your measurements until you get an accurate result for each of your markings (if you have more than one).
Digital planimeter is a must-have device for architects, surveyors and engineers.
Why are digital planimeters commonly used today?
Digital planimeters are a great asset for every industry and company thanks to their high accuracy, reliability, and comfortable use.
As such instruments make measuring area a simple, fast process, they will be used in the future as they are very popular among different folks all over the world.
What is the working principle of a planimeter?
The functioning of a planimeter is very simple. With a few clicks, you can quickly trace any arbitrary line.
The main working principle of the planimeter is that it has to be able to measure the length of a line and keep it in its memory so as to transfer this information into an ultimate output.
In other words, the measurement value of the device should be equal to what was traced, in the case of a straight line.
What are the major components of a planimeter?
The main components of a planimeter include:
- Tracing arm.
- Tracing point.
- Anchor arm.
- Weight and needle point.
- Tangent screw.
- Measuring Wheel
What should you consider when choosing a digital planimeter?
When choosing a digital planimeter, the following factors should be taken into account:
- Shape of the digital planimeter
- Design of the mechanical components
- Display – Screen size, resolution and brightness
Which parts should be taken care of while using a planimeter?
While using a planimeter, the following factors are important to remember:
– Not dropping or hitting against other objects such as walls and floors.
– Keeping the mechanical parts (wheel, etc.) clean and dry.
What is the benefit of planimeter?
The main benefit of a planimeter is that it facilitates measuring the area of any shape in a matter of seconds.
Since these devices use electronic components, they can measure and display very accurate results in a convenience that cannot be matched by manual methods.