Determine area size using latitude and longitude points

[#1]

Hi community,

I would like to determine the area (square miles or kilometers, which ever is easier) based on data using latititude and longitude.  Basically I want to be able to draw a perimeter using the outer most data points and then calculate the area of this polygon.  The approach must be intelligent enough to exclude all the points inside the polygon.  I've attached a diagram of what i'm trying to achieve.  Hopefully this is clear.

thanks,

[Gysbert_Wassenaar]

Sure, no problem. Use a GIS tool like ArcGis Desktop (or any of a dozen other). It's purposely built for this kind of geo-spatial analysis.

Or implement an alpha shapes algorithm yourself. Maybe this page can get you started.

[#3]

thanks for the quick reply, however i'm looking for a bit more guidance on this.  With the sample data that I attached is there an example that you can show me.  One using qlikview or another tool that will know to draw a polygon and calculate the area. 

Regards,