vSite AR: Sketch and Measure

Overview

The Sketch and Measure tool in vSite AR enables users to add clear, contextual visual information directly within an augmented reality environment. With this tool, you can create and apply digital sketches, including points, lines, and polygons, to communicate site information more effectively to your team.

 

How To

Access Sketch and Measure

To use the Sketch and Measure tool:

  1. Enter AR View by tapping the AR icon. Configure your location and tap Next or Done. For more information on configuring your location, click here. 

  2. Open the Tools menu and select Sketch and Measure.

When the tool is active, the interface displays the following components (left to right):

  • Menu Button (three vertical dots)

  • Action Bar: Points, Line/Distance, or Area

  • Step Tracker

Add Elements

Add Points

  1. Aim your device at the desired location.

  2. Align with the crosshairs and tap the + button to add a point.

  3. Adjust offsets in real time using the Offset Slider on the right.

  4. Tap Save to confirm. You can continue adding more elements as needed.

Add Lines/Distances

  1. Begin the line by placing the first point.

  2. Aim the crosshairs to the endpoint and confirm.

  3. Adjust offsets with the slider if needed.

  4. You can add additional connecting lines to create shapes or map boundaries.

Add Areas

  1. Similar to lines, add multiple connected lines to enclose a space.

  2. The enclosed area will automatically fill.

  3. Use the attributes menu to adjust the color, preset total area, or modify the shape.

Menu Options

Tapping the three-dot menu opens additional options:

  • Scene: Enable or disable visuals outside of your sketch.

  • New: Start a new sketch session.

  • Open: Access previously saved sketches. A new menu will appear on the left to browse existing records.

  • Save: Submit your current sketch to vGIS/vSite (confirmation required).

Sketch Attributes

Each sketch element displays a tag in the center of the screen. Tap this tag to open the attributes menu and modify the element’s properties, including its description, color, and shape. Use offsets to define “no-dig zones” or other field-specific boundaries.

Available attributes differ by element type:

  • Points: Shapes include point, sphere, cylinder, and square pyramid.

  • Line/Distance: Measure total length. Available shapes include standard lines or pipe elements.

  • Area: Define the total area. Polygons are the only supported shape.

Step/Movement Tracker

The Step Tracker measures the distance you travel in real time and is especially useful when mapping irregular paths or surfaces.

For example, if you know the distance from a fixed point where a pipe has burst, you can follow a straight line to locate it. However, if you’re tracing something less predictable — like the path of an electrical wire that fell through a trench or an uneven surface — the Step Tracker allows you to follow the actual route until you reach the precise location.

To use the Step Tracker:

  1. Tap the Step Tracker button to activate it.

  2. Tap Start before you begin moving.

  3. Walk along the path you need to measure.

  4. Tap Done to stop tracking when you reach your target.

Integration with vSite Web

With the addition of vSite Web, all Sketch and Measure entries are now available in both the Admin Portal and the web platform for easy access and management. Click here to learn more.

Have Questions? Feel free to Submit A Request to speak with a member of the vGIS Support Team.

Reviewed:  2025-05-29

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