# Measure Volume and 3D Terrain

Moasure captures measurements in three dimensions as you move, allowing you to record changes in elevation and map real-world terrain. From this, it provides surface area and volume — enabling you to measure everything from flat surfaces to complex landscapes.

There are **two ways to measure volume** with Moasure:

* **Simple Method** — capture perimeter and elevation in a single measurement
* **Advanced Method (Layers)** — return later and add volume to an existing perimeter

Start with the Simple Method below, or jump to the Advanced Method if you are working with layers.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/wJQ3lqc-xUQ?si=eg9VM7m15onOfrwk>" %}
3D Terrain Mapping & Volume Measurements
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## Measuring Volume (Simple Method)

### **Measuring Volume (Simple Method)**

To measure volume in a single measurement, follow these steps:

1. Tap **Start** to begin a new measurement
2. Walk the **perimeter** of the area you want to measure
3. Return to your starting point **without ending the measurement**
4. Change the [path type](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/understand-path-types) to **Points**
5. Walk within the perimeter, capturing elevation data across the area
   * Use a **spiral or zig-zag pattern** for best coverage
   * Capture more points in areas with slopes or uneven ground to improve accuracy
6. Once complete, return to your original starting point
   * This helps improve overall accuracy
7. Tap the **red stop button** to finish the measurement

## Measuring Volume as a Layer (Advanced Method)

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1176201249?fe=sh&fl=pl>" %}

Moasure allows you to capture volume as an additional layer, meaning you can return to a site later and measure volume using a previously recorded perimeter.

This is especially useful for landscaping, excavation, or turfing projects where elevation data isn’t needed during the initial visit but can be added later.

### **Before You Begin**

To ensure accurate results:

* Your original measurement must include a **clear, straight A–B reference edge**
* Mark **Point A and Point B** with visible markers (e.g. flags or cones) so you can return to the exact same positions

### **How to Add a Volume Layer**

1. Open your saved measurement, tap the **Layers** icon, then select **Add Layer**
2. The app will display your **A–B reference edge**
   * This is the original edge used to align the new volume layer with your perimeter

<figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FZgYQmx6hmvAPAoUdzQsA%2FVolume%20as%20a%20Layer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6c1f6e0e-59b6-4348-8a62-67590073a540" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Return to **Point A**, then walk toward **Point B** to retrace your original A–B reference edge
   * A **black guide line** will appear to help you follow the same reference edge
   * This step ensures your new layer is correctly aligned with the original measurement
4. Once the A–B reference walk is complete, the app will automatically switch to **Ignore Line**
   * This allows you to move freely within the perimeter without affecting it
5. At **Point B**, change the path type from **Ignore Line** to **Points**

   * This creates a new reference point (**Point C**) at the same location

   * You will return to this point to complete the layer

   > **Note:** You can choose a different location for Point C if needed.\
   > If you do, make sure it is clearly marked so you can return to the exact same position to finish the layer.
6. Begin capturing elevation data across the area
   * Move in a **spiral or zig-zag pattern**
   * Place points wherever the height changes
   * Capture more points in areas with slopes, peaks, or dips for better accuracy
7. As you move, a **chequered flag** will remain visible to show your return point (Point C), and a dotted line will show your path
8. Once you’ve finished capturing data, return to **Point C** and capture your final point
   * This closes the loop and helps maintain alignment
9. Tap the **red stop button** to finish the layer

### **Viewing Your Data**

To view your volume calculation:

* Tap **3D Mesh view** to see the calculated volume

You can choose between two reference planes:

* **Lowest Point Plane**\
  Uses the lowest captured point as the base\
  Best for excavations, pools, or areas below ground level
* **Perimeter Plane**\
  Uses the height of the perimeter as the base\
  Best for stockpiles or materials sitting on relatively level ground

<figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FlwnaJw7W7BkJZXDyDWWg%2FVolume%20as%20a%20Layer%20(2).png?alt=media&#x26;token=4f193fe4-5a62-4df8-9133-b72475ddee8c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Optional Tools**

To access additional volume tools:

* Tap **Edit**, then scroll to:
* **Cut and Fill**\
  Estimates how much material needs to be added or removed to level the surface
* **Add Depth**\
  Calculates the volume of material below the measured surface (ideal for excavation)

### **Contour Mapping**

To view contour data:

* Tap the **Contour icon**

Contour maps show changes in elevation using lines that connect points of equal height.

* Closely spaced lines indicate steeper slopes
* Wider spacing indicates flatter areas

You can switch between **2D and 3D views**, and adjust contour settings within the app.

{% hint style="info" %}
Learn more about the available views and how to use them in our [Views Guide](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/understand-views).
{% endhint %}

<div><figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FR1KCg8iOb1t5Qff9HL9j%2FIMG_5256.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=2bca0a5b-366f-4426-b964-82f9ad8c6c57" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Contour 2D</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FQOWaFNYx8YY2ZnneguUp%2FIMG_5257.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=43d02aa8-e88f-46fa-a91c-7492960e9bd8" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Contour 3D</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://3108400965-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH1SckI7Noi5Ipj4x33R7%2Fuploads%2FD7ueKc791ZVyh2tTqep1%2FIMG_5255.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=c9452b1c-ef02-426d-9122-2f20878fc786" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Surface</p></figcaption></figure></div>

### **Advanced Tools**

For more advanced calculations, such as estimating material quantities or levelling terrain, you can use [Cut/Fill](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/master-edit-tools/cut-fill) and [Add Depth](https://docs.moasure.com/en/moasure-app/master-edit-tools/add-depth) Tools.

### When to Use Cut / Fill and Add Depth

#### **When to Use Each Tool**

* **Add Depth**\
  Use when calculating how much material is needed to cover an area at a specific depth (e.g. mulch, soil, or aggregate)
* **Cut / Fill**\
  Use when calculating how much material needs to be removed or added to level a surface or reshape terrain

### **Multi-Layer Surface Fitting**

Volume measurements can be split across layers, allowing the perimeter to be captured in one layer and elevation data in another — or across multiple layers.

This is particularly useful for large or complex terrain with significant variation.

#### **Key Benefits**

* **Redo specific layers** without repeating the entire measurement
* **Improve resolution** by adding more elevation data
* **Increase flexibility** by separating perimeter and elevation capture

#### **Things to Be Aware Of**

* Accurate alignment between layers is essential
* Poor alignment can lead to incorrect volume results