In computational geometry, determining whether a point lies inside a polygon is a fundamental problem with various applications. A polygon can be defined as a closed shape formed by a series of straight lines connected in a specific order. Checking if a point is inside a polygon involves determining whether the point falls within the boundaries of the shape.
Knowing how to check if a point is inside a polygon has numerous benefits. It finds applications in fields like computer graphics, geographic information systems (GIS), and robotics, where understanding the spatial relationships between objects is crucial. In computer graphics, it is essential for rendering 3D scenes and determining visibility. In GIS, it is used for spatial analysis, such as finding points within specific regions or identifying areas of overlap between different polygons. In robotics, it helps robots navigate and avoid obstacles.