GeoMeterHow to measure land area with your phone
You can measure a field, garden or building plot with an Android phone in a couple of minutes — on the satellite map or by walking around the boundary with GPS. Here is how to get an accurate result.
Which mode to choose
GeoMeter has three measurement modes:
- Area — you put the corners of the plot on the satellite map. Best when the boundary is visible from above: a fence, a ditch, the edge of a field.
- Distance — the length of a line through several points, for example a fence or a road.
- GPS Walk — you walk along the boundary and the phone records points by itself. Useful when the boundary cannot be seen on the map.
If the plot is clearly visible on the satellite map, the Area mode with full zoom is usually more accurate than walking.
Measuring on the map (Area mode)
- Choose Area and zoom in on your plot as far as possible.
- Pan the map so the crosshair in the centre sits exactly on a corner, then tap Add point.
- Repeat for every corner. The area and perimeter update live in the bottom panel.
- If a point is off, drag it to the right place; ↶ removes the last point.
Prefer tapping the map? Turn on Menu → Settings → «Tap the map to add points».
Walking with GPS: how to get a precise result
- Stand at a corner of the plot and tap Start. Do not move until the first point appears — the app waits for a good enough GPS signal.
- Check the accuracy on the screen: ideally 5 m or better. If it is higher, wait a little under open sky.
- Hold the phone in your hand, screen up — not in a pocket or bag.
- Walk slowly at a steady, normal pace exactly along the boundary. Walking fast does not improve accuracy; a point is recorded roughly every 2–3 metres.
- Stop for 2–3 seconds at each corner before turning.
- Keep away from high walls, dense trees and buildings where possible.
- Use Pause if you need to stop, and finish exactly where you started.
- For an important plot, measure 2–3 times and take the average.
How accurate is it?
GPS error is measured in metres, so its effect in percent depends on the size of the plot: the smaller the plot, the larger the percentage. Expected error of the area for a typical GPS accuracy:
| Plot | ±3 m | ±5 m | ±10 m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 m² (5 sotix) | ±13% | ±21% | ±42% |
| 1,000 m² | ±9% | ±15% | ±30% |
| 2,000 m² | ±6% | ±10% | ±21% |
| 1 acre | ±4% | ±7% | ±15% |
| 1 hectare | ±3% | ±5% | ±9% |
| 5 hectares | ±1% | ±2% | ±4% |
The app shows the accuracy of your measurement in the save window. Walking a metre off the boundary or not closing the loop adds a larger error than the GPS itself, so follow the boundary carefully.
Saving and sharing
- Tap 💾 Save and give the measurement a name. An area needs at least 3 points, a distance at least 2.
- All measurements are in Menu → Saved; tap one to open it on the map or edit it.
- Share a measurement as a PDF report with a snapshot of the plot, as KML for Google Earth and GPS apps, or as GeoJSON for GIS software.
What you need
Location must be turned on for GPS features. The satellite map loads over the internet, so without a connection the map does not open and measuring is not possible.
Frequently asked questions
Should I walk fast or slow when measuring with GPS?
Walk slowly at a steady, normal pace exactly along the boundary and stop for 2–3 seconds at each corner. Walking fast does not make the result more accurate.
Which is more accurate: the map or walking with GPS?
If the boundary is visible on the satellite map, placing corners on the map with full zoom is usually more accurate. GPS Walk is useful when the boundary cannot be seen from above.
How big can the error be?
For a 2,000 m² plot it is about ±6% with ±3 m GPS accuracy and about ±10% with ±5 m. For larger plots the percentage is smaller.
Does the app work without the internet?
No. The satellite map loads over the internet, so measuring needs a connection.