In this section, you will learn how to master your measurement technique. This section consists of three parts:
If you prefer reading instead of watching, you can follow the links below to read more about mastering pace, placement and rotation.
In this guide, you'll learn about the importance of placing your Moasure device down in a way that ensures it's completely stationary. You'll also learn how to accomplish this on challenging terrains.
To avoid over-ranging the sensors, it's important to set the Moasure device down gently and ensure that it's completely still. Once the device is completely still, a point is captured which includes the X, Y, Z co-ordinates. The LED indicator on your Moasure will turn green to let you know that a point has been successfully captured.
If you're measuring with the STICK, you might want to hold it with your thumb and first two fingers instead of with the palm of your hand. Holding the STICK with your fingers can make it easier to set the device down gently.
Aside from setting the device down gently, it's important to be decisive when placing the stick down. Avoid hovering over the point you want to place it down at.
Different terrains can, at times, make it difficult to keep the device completely still. The following are some tips for different terrains.
On surfaces such as grass, mulch or turf, it can be challenging to keep your Moasure device completely still.
On this kind of uneven or rough terrain, pushing the STICK down gently will help to keep the device still so that a point can be captured.
However, in some instances, it may be more appropriate to measure without using Moasure STICK, especially when measuring through tall grass, for example. Measuring without the STICK allows you to gain finer control over placement by utilizing your fingers.
On a sloped surface such as a hill or ramp, the weight of the STICK can sometimes cause Moasure to move slightly. This movement makes it difficult for the device to capture a point.
To keep the device completely still so that it's able to capture a point, let the STICK lean in between your thumb and index finger.
Hold Moasure STICK with your fingers and thumb instead of with the palm of your hand - this will help prevent swinging and help you to set the device down more gently.
Place the device down decisively. Avoid hovering over the pause point. Remember, even though it may seem counter-intuitive, the quicker you move and set your device down, the more accurate your measurement will be.
Place the device down gently – avoid knocks, bangs and impacts which negatively impact Moasure's sensors.
On grass or similar uneven surfaces, try pushing the STICK down gently to help keep your Moasure device completely still so that a point can be recorded.
On sloped surfaces, let the STICK rest between your thumb and index finger. The weight of the STICK alone will help keep the device completely still so that it can record a point.
You can watch the video below for a demonstration of how to measure on different surfaces. The video also demonstrates how to master pace and rotation.
Learn about the impact of speed on measurement accuracy.
With motion-based measuring, the measurement error grows exponentially over time. This means you need to walk fast and rotate your device slowly.
To minimise error and maximise measurement accuracy, do not take longer than 8 seconds before pausing – pausing means setting down your Moasure device to capture a point. Don't worry, this doesn't mean that you must complete a whole measurement within 8 seconds. You can pause as many times as you need to complete a measurement.
To help you stay within the 0 to 8 second timeframe, the Moasure app features a handy timer bar and audible cues.
White: This is filled between 0 to 6 seconds
Amber: This filled between 6 to 8 seconds
Red: This is filled from 8 seconds onwards
Even though it may seem counter-intuitive, the quicker you move, the more accurate your measurement will be.
Besides visual indications in the app in the form of a timer bar, you also get auditory feedback using a beeping sound. A slow tick sound will appear at 6 seconds and it will turn to a faster tick sound at 8 seconds. Once the slow tick sound is heard, you should prepare to set the device down.
Don't worry if you cannot move around an obstacle or obstruction within 8 seconds. You can pause as many times as you need to, for as long as it takes you to get around the obstacle.
If you don't want these pause points to be recorded on your measurement drawing, you can change the Path Type to Ignore Line before going around the obstacle.
Another way to measure around obstacles is to use the Ignore tool after your measurement is finished to remove pause points from your measurement drawing. Every time you ignore a point, the points before and after the ignored point will be connected.
If you prefer watching instead of reading, you can watch the below video that goes through all three aspects of mastering measuring technique.
As Moasure uses motion sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, care should be taken when rotating the device.
When rotating the Moasure device, do so gradually from one pause point to another.
Whenever you need to rotate the device so that the is aligned to your required orientation, you should rotate the device gradually – not suddenly. As with sudden impacts or collisions, abrupt rotations negatively impact the device's sensors which in turn compromises measurement accuracy.
