Understand Path Types

When you begin a measurement in the Moasure app, you'll use what's called a Path which is the line that connects each pause point. Moasure offers seven different path types, each suited to a specific kind of measurement or environment.

You can switch path types at any pause point, either during your measurement or after it's finished. This gives you the flexibility to adapt to different shapes, obstacles, and features within a single project.

Selecting the right path type ensures the most accurate measurements for your project - especially when working with curved surfaces, elevation changes, or complex layouts.

Accessing Path Types in the App

To begin a measurement, open the Moasure app and tap the green + icon. Choose between 'Closed Shape' or 'Open Shape' measurements. Once selected, the Paths icon appears at the bottom of the screen, displaying the seven available path types.

While at a pause point, as long as the Moasure device is stationary, you can pause as long as you need to before moving to the next pause point.

If you start moving again from a pause point, the current path type remains active until you manually change it by tapping on the path most suitable for your next measurement.

When starting a new measurement, the Path will be set to your default path type – this will be Straight Line as standard, but you can alter the Starting Path Type in your settings.

If you begin moving again from a pause point, Moasure will continue with the previously selected path type unless you manually change it.

The default path type is automatically applied when starting a new measurement - this is Straight Line unless you've set a different starting path type in your settings.

Straight Line

The Straight Line path type is the most commonly used. It connects two pause points with a direct line, no matter the actual route you walk between them.

This is ideal for:

• Measuring direct distances

• Navigating around obstacles like trees, rocks, or patio furniture

• Keeping measurements fast, simple, and accurate

Straight Line is the default path type when you start a new measurement, but you can change this in your app settings at any time.

Trace Line

Trace Line captures the precise movement of your Moasure device between pause points. It’s ideal for complex, curved, or irregular shapes such as lawns, pools, and ponds. Unlike Straight Line, the route taken is the measurement.

Points

Points path captures individual points without connecting them with lines. This is useful for marking locations of interest, such as trees or sprinklers. It is also the required path type for capturing elevation points when measuring volume.

There are two ways to use Points for volume measurements.

For the first method, during a continuous measurement, start by capturing the perimeter, return to the starting point without ending the measurement, and then switch to Points to record elevation changes within the area. To collect elevation data across the surface, use a spiralling pattern to maintain consistency in your technique. This method is best for oval or circular areas. For rectangular or square areas, a zig-zag pattern is the best approach, ensuring even coverage and the highest accuracy.

For the second method, as a separate layer, first complete the perimeter measurement. Then, retrace the A-B measurement to ensure everything stays aligned. As soon as you reach the B measurement, Moasure will automatically switch to Ignore Line. Once inside the area, manually switch to Points to start capturing grade changes across the surface. Again, for oval or circular areas, use a spiralling pattern, while for rectangular or square areas, a zig-zag pattern provides the best accuracy.

Whichever method you choose, each point will record X, Y, and Z coordinates for accurate elevation mapping.

Ignore Line

An Ignore Line path allows you to exclude a length or distance from your measurement. It’s useful, for example, when you need to omit one edge or segment of a perimeter measurement – switching the path type to Ignore Line will allow you to continue and complete your measurement, then the Ignore Line segment will be omitted from your final diagram. Ignore Line is also used when creating Layers.

Wall

Wall path is designed for capturing the footprint of outdoor walled structures, such as gazebos, office blocks, or houses.

To use it, simply place your Moasure device - without the STICK - against the middle of each wall with the LED facing up. The app will then capture the plane of the wall and automatically determine the corners, helping you map out the space accurately.

To ensure an accurate footprint, always finish your measurement at the same starting point. This will generate a complete diagram, showing the perimeter and area, making it easy to plan modifications or assess available space.

If you come across a wall that’s blocked by trees, fences, or furniture, there’s a simple way to handle it using Ignore Line.

Instead of stopping your measurement, just lay the Moasure device flat on the ground with the logo and LED facing up. When placed this way, Moasure automatically switches to Ignore Line, meaning that point will be skipped.

Now, move around the obstacle to the other side and place the device vertically against the same wall edge to resume your measurement. Moasure will pick up exactly where you left off, keeping your measurement accurate and complete.

This method is useful for measuring buildings or spaces with hard-to-reach areas, ensuring you can capture the full structure without disruption.

Arc

An Arc path type is used for measuring curved shapes, such as driveways, pools, or winding paths. To capture an arc, measure at least three points - the start, the middle, and the final point at the end of the curve.

At first, the app will draw a straight line to the second middle point, but once the third point is captured, it automatically switches to a best-fit arc, creating a smooth and accurate curve.

For more complex shapes, like an ‘S’ curve, we combine arc and straight line paths. First, capture the initial arc using three points as mentioned. Then, switch to the straight line path to add a short break between the curves. This tells the app and Moasure that you’re starting a new arc, preventing it from continuing the previous arc’s rotation.

After that, switch back to the arc path to measure the second curve, again capturing three points - the start, middle, and end.

With both arcs and the straight section measured, the ‘S’ shape is now complete.

Circle

A Circle path automatically generates the best-fit circle based on the points you measure. To capture a circular shape, measure at least three points around the circumference, placing them in a triangular grid formation rather than returning to the starting point. This helps define the circle’s shape more accurately.

For larger circular areas, such as a traffic circle, rotary, or circular plaza, capturing four or more points along the edge will provide greater accuracy. This ensures a more precise measurement for large, defined circular shapes.

*Although the minimum number of pause points required for Arc and Circle paths is three, capturing one or more additional points on the circumference for either of these path types, so four or more points in total, will result in a more accurate measurement.