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Re: Point inside a polygon?

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg25426] Re: Point inside a polygon?
• From: Avi Mintz <Avi.Mintz at nsc.com>
• Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2000 01:07:42 -0400 (EDT)
• Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com

Adriano Moreira wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I need a routine to check if a point is inside or outside a polygon
> (simple polygon non self-intersecting).
> Any help appreciated.
> 
> Adriano Moreira

that is a "famous" question for interviews of new imployees.

take a straight line from the point to infinity (or at least beyond the
polygon)
 - it is usually best if that line is parralel to one of the axis
then count how many times the new line intersects with lines of the
polygon - an even number means its outside,
an odd number means its inside

avi