Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS: A Workbook Approach to Learning GIS, 3rd Edition

Two-Dimensional Entities in a Two-Dimensional Field: Polygons

Let’s look quasi-philosophically at definitions of plane areas and the lines that define them. Lines define polygons, but sometimes it’s not really clear what is meant by some basic terms.

A common definition: A polygon is a closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments. This implies that the area inside the segments is included and could be calculated. For example, a standard definition of a triangle is that it is a three-sided polygon. But what is a triangle? It is the metal frame of a truss or the sail of a boat? Which of the two figures below would you consider a triangle?

Probably you would say both, although one is three line segments while the other is an area. If the one on the right, which is an area, is called a triangle, then what is the figure on the left to be called?

Also one could ask: what is a circle? Is it the curvilinear line? Or is it the plane figure like a coin? That is, is it the locus of points at a distance “d” from a single point “c” (the center), or is it the locus of points at a distance “d” or less than “d” from the single point “c.” “Circle” is used in English both ways.

Look at these figures—which do you consider the circle?

You still might say both, but probably the one ...