Lay Out Points from Coordinates (Manual, CSV, or 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.

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 can review, edit, and organise them before starting Layout Mode.

Recommended: Use Optimise Route in the Preview stage to automatically arrange your coordinates in the shortest, most logical order. This saves time and reduces the chance of errors when laying out points on site.

Other ways to organise your coordinates

If you prefer, you can still reorder coordinates manually:

  • Drag and drop rows into the desired order.

  • Or:

    1. Tap the Edit icon.

    2. Select a new position number from the dropdown.

    3. Tap Update.

Once you are satisfied with your input, tap Preview. The app will sketch a drawing to help you confirm your data is valid before beginning layout.

Reference Edge:

The reference edge is crucial for accurately placing your coordinates. It is defined by the first two captured points:

  • Point A = the origin.

  • Point B = establishes the X-axis together with point A.

All entered coordinates are positioned relative to this edge, starting from point A.

The app will prompt you to capture the reference edge before guiding you to your entered coordinates.

Once complete, tap Continue to proceed.

  1. Align Phone with Reference Edge

Moasure uses your smartphone’s compass to guide you towards your inputted coordinates. To ensure accuracy, align your phone with the reference edge - the line between your first two captured points (A and B).

This step establishes the X and Y axes for your layout. Once aligned, tap Done to continue.

The app displays an arrow on your screen to guide you towards each target coordinate. The screen auto-rotates to keep orientation correct. If your phone’s sensors behave unpredictably, you can disable auto-rotation by tapping the lock icon in the bottom corner.

  1. Measure

  • Follow these steps to lay out your points on site:

    1. Mark the origin (A): Place a marker at your origin point. This should be memorable, as you’ll return to it at the end.

    2. Capture the reference edge (A → B): Move from A to B at a steady pace, keeping within the green zone of the timer bar. This step sets the reference edge, shown in the bottom-left of your screen.

    3. Proceed to target points:

      • You’ll be guided to target 1 (the first coordinate from your CSV, CAD, or manual entry).

      • The app uses arrows and a crosshair to show direction.

      • Place the device down within the green zone; avoid abrupt movements.

    4. Check placement:

      • If you’re outside the target radius, the app shows a dotted line and distance to the correct position.

      • If you’re inside the radius, the crosshair turns green with a tick. Place a marker at this point.

    5. Repeat for all targets: Continue moving from point to point until all coordinates are marked.

    6. Return to origin (A): Finish by returning to your starting point.

PreviousMeasure Volume and 3D TerrainNextLay Out Points Based on a Saved Measurement Diagram

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