Description
Return perimeter/area ratios and a similarity residual.
Anthropological records depend on source-specific labels, observation periods, coding choices and participant context. A ratio, cyclic index or kinship-code offset describes supplied data rather than identifying a social relationship or cultural meaning. Replacing names with aliases does not establish anonymity.
Return perimeter/area ratios and a similarity residual.
When to use this tool
Use Artifact Outline Scale Ratio when checking the stated observation, coding, chronology or record convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter sourcePerimeter, targetPerimeter, sourceArea, targetArea. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read linearRatio, areaRatio, similarityResidual. Use the output convention below.
Return perimeter/area ratios and a similarity residual. Require positive source perimeter/area and nonnegative target values; linearRatio = targetPerimeter/source, areaRatio = targetArea/source, residual = areaRatio-linearRatio².1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| sourcePerimeter | Source Perimeter | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| targetPerimeter | Target Perimeter | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| sourceArea | Source Area | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| targetArea | Target Area | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| linearRatio | Linear Ratio | Required. Finite number. |
| areaRatio | Area Ratio | Required. Finite number. |
| similarityResidual | Similarity Residual | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"sourcePerimeter": 10,
"targetPerimeter": 20,
"sourceArea": 6,
"targetArea": 24
},
"output": {
"linearRatio": 2,
"areaRatio": 4,
"similarityResidual": 0
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- A zero residual is only a necessary scaling relation, not proof of geometric similarity, shared manufacture or artifact identity.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Consult the original field records, community context and appropriate ethical/privacy practices for cultural interpretation or disclosure decisions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Artifact Measurement Scale Factor
Convert recorded artifact length with a supplied inverse-scale factor.
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Return a supplied fragment-orientation sign product.