Lay Out Points Based on Entered Coordinates / CAD Import

The Layout measurement type enables you to lay out points on site based on entered coordinates, or by using a saved measurement diagram. It is suited to applications such as landscaping, planning, and general surveying tasks.

Layout is only available with Moasure 2 PRO devices. If a Moasure 2 PRO is not registered to your account and selected, the Layout feature will be greyed out. Learn more about Moasure 2 PRO. Note that CAD Import is available from Moasure app version 3.2 and above. Please ensure your app is up to date.

All entered coordinates are referenced to a reference edge, which consists of the first two captured points (A and B). This reference edge is used to establish orientation and scale in the horizontal plane only (X and Y axes). Elevation values (Z axis) are not used for positioning even if your coordinates include elevation data. These values are ignored for the purpose of layout positioning. Please note: Moasure does not use GPS for positioning points. All layout points are positioned relative to your captured reference points (A and B) using motion-based measurement, not satellite-based systems like GPS.

For more detail, refer to the 'Review and Preview' section further down.

1. Select the ‘Layout’ Measurement Type

  1. Open the Moasure app.

  2. Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Choose Layout.

Tap on the 'Layout' Measurement Type

2. Inputting Coordinates

Tap the + icon on the Add Coordinates screen to choose your input method.

You can enter coordinates in three ways:

  1. Import CSV – upload a CSV file containing coordinates.

  2. Import CAD – import points directly from a CAD file.

  3. Enter Manually – type coordinates directly into the app.

Note that the Optimise Route feature arranges X, Y coordinates in the shortest, most logical order to reduce layout time and errors.

If you have previously added coordinates and used them in a measurement, they will be auto saved and retrievable in the list of files denoted with a CSV icon on the Add Coordinates Screen.

2.1 Import CSV

  • Tap Import CSV

  • Use your file picker to select a CSV file.

  • File format must include exactly two columns (no headers):

    • Column 1: X-coordinate

    • Column 2: Y-coordinate

Example File

You can view and download an example CSV file below:

24B
TargetTest - TargetTest.csv

The (radius) tolerance has a default setting. You only need to change it if required.

2.2 Import CAD

  • Tap Import CAD.

  • Select a DXF or DWG file.

  • Configure units, tolerance, and duplicate point handling.

Note that you can select either Feet or Meters for your coordinates.

Example File

You can view and download an example CAD file below:

19KB
Riverdale Park 2.dwg

When importing CAD files, only the first layer is included. Very large or complex files may slow down performance.

Tip: Use Optimise Route here to reduce unnecessary walking between points.

2.3 Enter Manually

  • Tap Enter Manually, then tap + to add a coordinate.

  • Choose:

    • Relative to Origin (from point A), or

    • Relative to Last Point.

  • Enter X, Y, and optional tolerance radius:

    • 2 cm – high precision (select this for high precision. Ideal when you need to pinpoint an exact location and minimal deviation is crucial).

    • 5 cm – balanced (this is a moderate precision option. It balances accuracy with a wider search area, suitable for general purposes).

    • 10 cm – broadest tolerance (choose this for the lowest precision. This setting covers the broadest area, useful when exact coordinates are less critical and you are looking for general proximity).

Note that you can select either Feet or Metres for your coordinates.

  1. Review and Preview

After adding coordinates, you will be able to view, edit and delete them using the edit and bin buttons. When you edit a coordinate, you can edit the X, Y and tolerance radius, as well as the position of the coordinate in the list (the index). This is useful for when you want to re-order the coordinates in the list.

To re-order your coordinates:

  • Drag and drop rows into the desired order.

Or:

  • Tap on the Edit icon.

  • Select a new position number from the dropdown field.

  • Tap 'Update'.

Once you have entered all your coordinates and are happy with them, tap on Preview. The app will sketch a drawing to help you check whether your data input is valid.

REFERENCE EDGE:

The reference edge is crucial for the accurate placement of your coordinates. Here’s a detailed explanation:

  • You need to capture a reference edge to reference the entered coordinates.

  • The reference edge consists of the first two captured points, A and B. These points are critical, as they establish the X-axis.

  • The entered coordinates are relative to the origin, A.

  • The app will prompt you to capture the reference edge prior to guiding you to the entered coordinates.

If you are satisfied with your input, tap on Continue.

  1. Align Phone with Reference Edge

Moasure uses your smartphone’s compass to help guide you to your inputted coordinates. To do this, it’s crucial that you align your phone with the direction of the reference edge. The reference edge is the first two points that help to orient the device, starting with the origin point. Once captured, your x and y axes are established. Now, tap 'Done'.

The app uses an arrow on your phone's screen to indicate the direction towards your target coordinates. The screen will auto-rotate to maintain this orientation. If your phone's sensors do not support this feature or if you are in areas that cause the sensors to behave oddly, you have the option to disable the auto-rotation feature in the app settings – do this by tapping on the lock icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

  1. Measure

    1. Place a marker at the origin of your reference point. This marker needs to be memorable, as you will finish at your first origin point.

    2. Orient the device by moving at a fast pace from your first reference point to your second reference point within the green zone of the timer bar. Note that the inputted coordinates are referenced to your origin point. The reference edge is shown in the bottom-left corner of your app as a compass.

    3. Once you have completed this step, you will be instructed to proceed to target 1, which corresponds to either the first coordinate in your CSV file or your manually-entered list of coordinates. The target point will be visually represented on the canvas with a crosshair icon.

    4. Be sure to rotate your device gradually, not abruptly, and place it down quickly, but gently. Walk to the first target point, ensuring you set the device down within the green zone of the timer bar along the way, and no later than the amber zone.

    5. After placing the device down, the app will indicate whether you have placed it inside or outside of the target radius (defined in your input data). If the device is outside of the target radius, the app will provide feedback on the distance from the target and show a dotted line between your current position and the target point, guiding you in the correct direction with an arrow. If the device is within the target radius, the crosshair icon will turn fully green with a check mark. Place a marker within the target. You will then be prompted to proceed to the next target until all targets are captured.

    6. After capturing your final coordinate, return to your origin point, marked as 'A'.

By following these steps, you can accurately lay out points based on entered coordinates using the Moasure app and Moasure 2 PRO device.

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