Limit distributions and scaling functions

We discuss the asymptotic behaviour of models of lattice polygons, mainly on the square lattice. In particular, we focus on limiting area laws in the uniform perimeter ensemble where, for fixed perimeter, each polygon of a given area occurs with the same probability. We relate limit distributions to the scaling behaviour of the associated perimeter and area generating functions, thereby providing a geometric interpretation of scaling functions. To a major extent, this article is a pedagogic review of known results.