Taped distances

Use the Taped distances function to quickly add points that define rectangular structures, such as a building or building foundations.

To start, key in or measure two points to define the first side, orientation, and location of the object. Subsequent points are created at 90° angles to or parallel to the first side. To use a different angle, store the object, and then create a new side.

Lines are created automatically and stored in the job as points are created. These lines appear in the map and can be used to stake out lines. If required, you can close the object back onto the start point to complete the rectangular shape.

To use taped distances the job must use a fully defined coordinate system, because new points created with taped distances are stored as polars. This function will not work correctly if you have selected Scale factor only or No projection/no datum.

  1. Tap and select Cogo / Taped distances.
  2. To define the first side:
    1. Select or measure the Start point and End point. See To enter a point name.
    2. Enter the elevation. To select the elevation from the Start point or End point, tap next to the Elevation field.
    3. Tap Accept.
  3. To define the next side:

    1. To set the angle for the next point, tap beside the previous point in the direction you want the side to follow.

      The dashed red line shows the current direction for the next side. To change sides, in the map tap at a 90° or 180° angle to the point.

    2. Tap Add.
    3. Do one of the following:

      • In the Length or H. Dist field, enter the distance to the next point using the angle defined in the map.

        If you are using a laser rangefinder, tap and select Laser. Measure the distance with the laser.

      • In the Point name field, select a point in the job. To measure a point using the connected receiver or instrument, tap and select Fastfix or Measure.

        The software calculates the distance to the selected or measured point.

    4. Tap OK.
  4. Continue to define the sides of the shape using the steps above.
  5. When you reach the final side, do one of the following:
    • To close back onto the start point, tap Close. A horizontal distance is computed and displayed. Use this as a check against your plan or your taped distance. Tap Accept.
    • Enter the final length and save the end point using a different name from the start point. This may result in the final corner of the object not being at an exact right angle. After tapping Store, compute an inverse between the start point and the end point. This method gives more detailed information on the quality of the close.
  6. Tap Store.

Once the feature has been stored, you cannot edit the lengths of the sides. To change a keyed in distance before the feature is stored, tap Edit, and then select the end point of the side to edit. When you adjust the distance, the plan view updates. You can then continue to add more sides.