Determining the area corrections affecting the map areas in GIS applications

Abstract Nowadays, there are many area-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications such as real estate valuation, land tax, farming support and cost–benefit analysis. Areas used in such applications are calculated by means of two-dimensional plane geometry. However, the computed area value is not the exact area value in the terrain. In order to calculate the exact area value of a parcel, area corrections due to various factors must be taken into account. These factors are selection of projection, slope of the terrain, elevation of the terrain and scale of the map. Selection of projection and slope of terrain are available; elevation of the terrain and scale of map are not available in all GIS software. In this study, the effect of area corrections on the area value calculated from the map is examined with sample applications and the results are presented to the GIS users. According to the results, GIS users should select the equal area projection. In addition, scale of map, elevation and slope of terrain should be taken into account in the area calculation where land measurements are not possible.