Republic of the Philippines

Central Mindanao University

University Town, Musuan, 8710 Bukidnon
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory I

Plate No. 1
Area Measurement and Use of Planimeter

Mark Loyd P. Ravidas

Name of Student
BSME 3A (TTh 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Class Section and Schedule
September 19, 2023
Date Performed
September 21, 2023
Date Submitted

1
 I. Objectives
 To familiarize the parts and functions of the Planimeter
 To know how to use and read a Planimeter
 To know how to compute the percent deviation of reading of Planimeter

II. Discussion

A planimeter is a measuring instrument used to calculate the area of an

irregularly shaped two-dimensional region. It does this by tracing the perimeter of
the shape with a stylus, which records the distance traveled, and then using this
data to determine the enclosed area. Planimeters have been used historically in
fields like cartography and land surveying to measure the areas of maps and
land parcels. There are different types of planimeters, such as polar planimeters
and digital planimeters, each with its own method of operation.
Parts and Functions
 Tracer Arm - Tracing arm is an arm which manages the position of tracing
point at one end with the help of hinge.
 Tracer – Tracer is the movable needle point which is connected to tracing
arm. This point is moved over the outline of area to be measured.
 Pole Arm - Pole arm is used to manage the anchor position or needle
point position on the plan. It’s one end is connected to weight and needle
point and other end to the integrating unit.
 Pole – It is used to control and maintain the position of the pole arm.
 Measuring Wheel – Measuring wheel is fixed in the integrating unit which
helps to measure the tracing length. It is used to set zero on the scale.
 Revolution Recording Dial - Dial is nothing but scale which is to be set
zero at the initial level using setting wheel.
 Guide Wheel – It guides the motion of the device for smooth and easy
tracing.

2
  Measuring Wheel Vernier - is attached to the wheel as rounded drum
with graduations on it. This is divided into 100 parts.
 Clamp – used to fix the tracing arm in standard length without any
extension.
 Weight and Needle Point – also called as anchor. A fine needle point is
located at the base of heavy block. This needle point is anchored at
required station on the plan.

Planimeters are crucial in fields like mapping, land surveying, engineering, and
architecture where precise area measurements of asymmetrical shapes are necessary.
Planimeters are still valuable for specific applications that require accuracy and a tactile
technique to measure irregular surfaces, even though modern digital technology has
mostly replaced them for everyday measurements.

III. Materials
 Planimeter
 Ruler
 Calculator

IV. Procedure
 Compute the area of the given figures using area formulas.
 Read the given planimeter readings of each figure.
 Write your data on the data sheet.
 Compute the percent deviation

V. Computation
Formula:
Deviation=Computed area− planimeter reading

% Deviation= |Computed Area |

Deviation
× 100 %

Area of rectangle = L x W
Area of circle = π r 2
bh
Area of triangle =
2

3
6 cm

5 cm

4
5
6
VI. Data Sheet

Plane figure: Rectangle

Planimeter Computed Area
Trial Deviation (cm2) %Deviation
Reading (cm ) 2
(cm2)
1 29.6 cm2 30 cm2 0.4 cm2 1.33 %
2 29.8 cm 2
30 cm 2
0.2 cm 2
0.667 %
3 30.1 cm2 30 cm2 - 0.1 cm2 0.333 %
Average 29.833 cm 2
30 cm 2
0.1667 cm 2
0.777 %

Plane figure: Circle

Planimeter Computed Area
Trial Deviation (cm2) %Deviation
Reading (cm ) 2 2
(cm )
1 27.7 cm2 28.274 cm2 0.574 cm2 2.03 %
2 28.1 cm 2
28.274 cm 2
0.174 cm 2
0.6154 %
3 28.3 cm2 28.274 cm2 - 0.026 cm2 0.092 %
Average 28.033 cm 2
28.274 cm 2
0.722 cm 2
0.912 %

Plane figure: Triangle

Planimeter Computed Area
Trial Deviation (cm2) %Deviation
Reading (cm ) 2
(cm2)
1 14.6 cm2 15 cm2 0.4 cm2 2.667 %
2 14.8 cm 2
15 cm 2
0.2 cm 2
1.333 %
3 14.9 cm2 15 cm2 0.1 cm2 0.667 %
Average 14.767 cm 2
15 cm 2
0.233 cm 2
1.556 %

Plane figure: Irregular Shape

Trial Planimeter Reading (cm2)
1 23.6 cm2
2 24.5 cm2
3 23.9 cm2
Average 24 cm2

7
VII. Conclusion
As a result, I’ve noticed that the accuracy of measurements might vary,
primarily dependent on the state or condition of the planimeter and the person
using it. Some measurements on the planimeter are found to be far from the
computed value. Furthermore, it is noted that doing a third experiment does not
guarantee that the outcome would be superior to that of the first two trials.
Additionally, it can be seen from the data above that the figures for the rectangle,
triangle, and circle all have an average deviation of less than 1. This indicates
that every form is nearly equal to the estimated area. Due to the planimeter data
practically matching the calculated value, the average deviation should be lower.

The planimeter activity also met its goals, giving participants a thorough
understanding of this crucial measuring device. Participants gained crucial
knowledge about the planimeter’s functioning and reading methods as well as a
familiarity with its numerous elements and their roles. Additionally, the activity
gave participants the knowledge and abilities needed to compute the percent
variation of planimeter values, allowing them to successfully evaluate
measurement accuracy. Overall, this practical experience helped participants
understand the planimeter and gave them practical skills they can use in a
variety of industries where precision measurement is important, such
engineering, surveying, and design.

VIII. References
1. Aurora’s Technological and Research Institute. (n.d.). Instrumentation Lab
Manual. Retrieved from
http://www.atri.edu.in/images/pdf/departments/INSTRUMENTATION%20LAB
%20manual.pdf
2. Balaji Institute of Technology & Science. (n.d.). Lab Manual Fuels and
Lubricants. Retrieved from
https://www.bitswgl.ac.in/lab-manuals-mech/2.F&L-LAB-converted.pdf

8
3. Çengel and Cimbala. Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications. McGraw-
Hill, 2006.
4. Handbook on Mechanical Weighing Scales. APEC/APLMF Training Courses in
Legal Metrology
5. Indian Institute of Technology New Delhi. (2018). Testing of Fuels: Flash and Fire
Point. Retrieved from https://web.iitd.ac.in/~pmvs/courses/mcl241/Flash%20and
%20fire%20point.pdf
6. N.V. Raghavendra and L. Krishnamurthy. Engineering Metrology and
Measurements. Oxford University Press, 2013.
7. Qatar University. (n.d.). Lab Manual of Fluid Mechanics. Retrieved from
https://www.qu.edu.qa/static_file/qu/colleges/engineering/civil/documents/Lab
%20Manuals/Fluid_Mechanics_Lab_Manual.pdf
8. University of Florida. (n.d.). Engine and Vehicle Testing. Retrieved from
https://abe.ufl.edu/faculty/tburks/Presentations/ABE4171/Off-Road%20Chapter
%203.pdf
9. W. F. Stoecker and J. W. Jones. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Second
Edition.