Description
Calculate signed trapezoidal area under one ordered beach-profile panel.
Geomorphic measurements distinguish signed coordinates, grain-size scales, profile derivatives and transported-mass or cross-section bases. A supplied datum adjustment or threshold does not detect a landform or establish a process. Plan distance, profile second derivative and slope-normalized curvature are different quantities.
Calculate signed trapezoidal area under one ordered beach-profile panel.
When to use this tool
Use Beach Cross Section Panel Area when checking the stated local landform, sediment, profile or coordinate convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter firstOffset, secondOffset, firstHeight, secondHeight. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read signedPanelArea. Use the output convention below.
Require secondOffset>=firstOffset. Return (second-first)*(firstHeight/2+secondHeight/2) as signed trapezoidal panel area.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| firstOffset | First Offset | Required. Finite number. |
| secondOffset | Second Offset | Required. Finite number. |
| firstHeight | First Height | Required. Finite number. |
| secondHeight | Second Height | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| signedPanelArea | Trapezoidal area relative to the supplied height baseline; may be negative. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"firstOffset": 0,
"secondOffset": 4,
"firstHeight": 2,
"secondHeight": 3
},
"output": {
"signedPanelArea": 10
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Heights use a common baseline and can be negative; one panel assumes linear height between endpoints and does not reconstruct a beach profile or volume.
- 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
Use calibrated surveys, mapped geometry and suitable complete sediment/terrain models for trends, process interpretation, uncertainty or hazard assessment.
References
Similar or alternative tools
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