The Surface Layout application is used to measure the vertical distance between a measured point and a reference surface from a 3D CAD drawing. This information helps determine the vertical distance to the desired surface height.
To use the Surface Layout application, the tool must be stationed. Stationing must be performed with height enabled. For more information, refer to the Stationing and Station Height articles.
A helpful video of the application can be found below:
How to Use the Surface Layout Application
- Open Your Project: Start by opening any project on the tablet.
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Open Application: Open the Surface Layout application either from the home screen or from the side menu in the CAD view.
- If the application is not available on the home screen, select Add Shortcut and add the Surface Layout application.
- Select the Prism: Select the prism that will be used for measurement. The prism height must also be entered by selecting the height value next to the prism selection and adjusting it accordingly.
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Move the prism to the point for which the height to the surface needs to be evaluated.
- The application calculates the height difference between the measured point and the reference surface.
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Read the Height Difference: The displayed value indicates how far the measured point is above or below the surface.
- A positive value indicates the point is above the surface
- A negative value indicates the point is below the surface
- This information helps determine the vertical distance to the desired surface height.
Surface Layout application shortcut icon:
Selecting the Surface Layout application from the side menu in CAD view:
Selecting the prism and setting the height:
Smart Surface Selection: HCL recognizes when your location has moved from 1 3D surface to another, automatically:
How to Use Smart Surface Selection Function
The Smart Surface Selection option is available on the right side of the screen.
When enabled, the application automatically selects and highlights the surface used as the height reference directly in the CAD view.
When disabled, the reference surface must be manually selected by tapping the desired surface in the 3D drawing.
It is recommended to keep Smart Surface Selection enabled, as it simplifies operation and reduces the risk of selecting an incorrect surface.
Smart Surface Selection option:
Examples of using Surface Layout Application
The Surface Layout application is commonly used for height control and verification tasks during excavation, leveling, and installation workflows.
Example 1: Determining Excavation Depth
Surface Layout can be used to determine how deep excavation is required to reach a design surface.
- Measure the current ground point
- Read the height difference to the reference surface
- Use the value to guide excavation depth
This is useful for foundations, trenches, and slab preparation.
Example 2: Verifying Concrete or Backfill Height
After material placement, the application can be used to verify elevation.
- Measure the finished surface
- Compare the measured point to the design surface
- Identify whether additional material is required or excess material must be removed
Example 3: Leveling an Area
When preparing a level surface:
- Measure multiple points across the area
- Compare height differences to the same reference surface
- Identify high and low spots that require correction
This supports consistent and even surface preparation.
Example 4: Checking Installed Elements Against a Surface
Installed elements such as anchors, sleeves, or plates can be checked against a design surface.
- Measure the installed element
- Read the height difference to the reference surface
- Verify whether the element meets height requirements
Example 5: Working with Multiple Surfaces in a 3D Model
In models containing multiple surfaces at different elevations:
- Use Smart Surface Selection to automatically reference the intended surface
- Disable Smart Surface Selection when a different surface needs to be manually selected
This allows flexible handling of complex 3D drawings.
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