Understand Path Types
Learn about the seven different measurement path types you can choose from when using your Moasure device, how to change between them, and how to alter your starting path type.
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Learn about the seven different measurement path types you can choose from when using your Moasure device, how to change between them, and how to alter your starting path type.
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A Path is a line that connects pause points, and measurements can be made of multiple path types. You can switch path type while stationary at pause points, enabling you to select a different path type to suit the specific requirements of the space you’re measuring.
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
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.
Keep in mind that your Moasure device records its position based on the Reference Point, which is the pointed corner/edge of your device or Moasure STICK.
By default, the first path type used is Straight Line. However, you can change your Starting Path Type in the app settings.
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.
Straight Line is the most commonly-used path type, capturing distance and elevation. A Straight Line path is where all pause points are joined by straight lines, regardless of the route you take between them. This enables you to navigate around obstacles and obstructions, such as shrubs and boulders, and connect the desired points in a straight line.
A Trace Line path tracks your every move, measuring and drawing the precise movements you take with your Moasure device between pause points. This path type is particularly useful when measuring complex and irregular shapes, such as lawns, pools or ponds with curved edges.
Remember, Moasure records its position according to the measurement Reference Point – the pointed corner of the device or STICK. Keep this in mind when using Trace Line.
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.
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 path is designed for measuring indoor and outdoor walled spaces, such as rooms, fenced areas, gazebos, office blocks, or houses. It’s perfect for capturing the footprint of an existing structure for renovations, extensions, or site planning.
To use it, simply place your Moasure device - without the STICK - against the middle of each wall. 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.
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.
You can even change path type when your measurement is complete – tap 'Edit', scroll to 'Edit Paths', select the relevant section of your measurement diagram, tap 'Change Path Type', then select the desired path type. Tap 'Save' when you're ready.
