What is the purpose of a planimeter?

The purpose of a planimeter is specifically to measure the area of a closed curve on a map. This instrument is essential in various fields, including surveying and cartography, where accurately determining the area represented within distinct boundaries is crucial.

By tracing the perimeter of the area in question with the planimeter, it computes the area contained within that boundary. This capability is particularly useful when dealing with irregular shapes, making it a favored tool when precise area measurements are needed from maps or plotted graphs.

Other options reflect different tools or methods used for other types of measurements that are not relevant to the function of a planimeter, which distinctly focuses on area measurement rather than height, distance, or soil composition analysis.