[ELI5] How do people measure of area of cities/countries, or irregular shapes in general?

Question

[ELI5] How do people measure of area of cities/countries, or irregular shapes in general?

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Answer 1

Oh, various ways. For instance if you’ve got a good map, lay a grid over it. Count the number of squares that are entirely inside the border and the number that are partly inside. Split the second number in half and add that to the first. Multiply by the area of one square, and you’ve got an estimate. For a better estimate, use a finer grid.