# 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="" %} 3D Terrain Mapping & Volume Measurements {% endembed %} ## 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](/en/moasure-app/understand-path-types.md) 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="" %} 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
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
### **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](/en/moasure-app/understand-views.md). {% endhint %}

Contour 2D

Contour 3D

Surface

### **Advanced Tools** For more advanced calculations, such as estimating material quantities or levelling terrain, you can use [Cut/Fill](/en/moasure-app/master-edit-tools/cut-fill.md) and [Add Depth](/en/moasure-app/master-edit-tools/add-depth.md) 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 --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.moasure.com/en/use-cases/measure-volume-and-3d-terrain.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.