Algorithms and programs for the rapid computation of area and center of mass

Abstract Two algorithms are presented for the rapid and exact computation of the area within a closed polygonal boundary, and for determining the coordinates of the center of mass of that area. The algorithms are derived by a Stokes' Theorem transformation of the appropriate surface integrals to line integrals around the boundary. The algorithms are presented as a short FORTRAN subroutine and as a program for the Hewlett Packard Model HP-65 programmable calculator.