Add Depth

In this guide, you will learn how to use the Add Depth Tool, which enables you to calculate the amount of material needed to cover a site with a specific added depth.

The Add Depth Tool is available in app version 2.0 and upwards. If you are on an older app version, you will need to update the app to access this feature.

The Add Depth Tool can be used to add custom depth to a site. This can be useful for scenarios such as calculating how much cubic metres of mulch to add to a sloped garden. The volume is calculated by multiplying the added depth by the surface area (which is the sum of areas of all the faces of the three-dimensional figure). The surface area changes when adding depth as it copies the surface and moves that up or down. The resulting volume calculation is based on a vertical projection to the copied surface set at the new level.

The Add Depth Tool can be useful for gardeners or landscapers planning mulching material application. It's also useful for hardscapers preparing foundations or base layers for pavements or patios. Let’s say a landscaper wants to know how much mulch he needs to add to cover a garden site at a depth of 6 inches (~15 cm) or a hardscaper wants to create a 6 inch (~15 cm) deep aggregate base layer for paving or concrete. They can calculate the volume of material required by taking the surface area and multiplying it by 6 inches (~15 cm). The Add Depth Tool makes this easy by pre-calculating the surface area and providing tools (such as a slider) to specify a depth, resulting in a volume calculation.

There's a recommended way to measure volume. Learn more in our Measure Volume Guide.

How to Use the Add Depth Tool To use the Add Depth Tool, follow the steps below:

1. Open the app and tap on Edit.

2. Select Add Depth

This will take you to the Add Depth Screen, where you'll find:

• The volume after adding depth (initially set to 0).

• The depth you've added.

As you adjust the slider, you'll see the volume change in response to the added depth value. The volume calculation is based on a vertical projection to a copied surface set at the new level. In simpler terms, it's the added depth multiplied by the surface area, where the surface area is the total area of all the faces of the three-dimensional figure.

For example, if you wish to determine how many cubic meters of mulch to add, the resulting volume calculated by this tool will provide you with that value.