Vector surface element of a graph ($d\mathbf{S}=(-g_x,-g_y,1)dxdy$)

The graph $z=g(x,y)$ has upward-oriented vector area element $d\mathbf{S}=(-g_x,-g_y,1)dxdy$ and scalar area element $dS=\sqrt{1+g_x^2+g_y^2}dxdy$. These follow from the cross product of the parametrization derivatives $(1,0,g_x)$ and $(0,1,g_y)$. The vector element is used in flux surface integrals and Stokes theorem; reversing orientation changes its sign.