LawnBook™ includes a map measurement tool that lets you draw a polygon directly on a satellite image of any property to calculate lot size, estimate mow time, and calculate how much mulch or fertilizer the area needs. No tape measure, no manual math.
Opening the Tool
The Map Measurement tool is available from two places:
- From a client's property profile — tap the property address, then tap Measure on Map
- From More → Map Measurement for a standalone session without a specific client
When opened from a client profile, the map automatically zooms to the property's address. When opened standalone, you can search any address using the search bar at the top of the map.
Drawing a Polygon
The map opens in satellite view. You'll see a crosshair and a green outline tool. Use your finger to tap the corners of the area you want to measure.
Pinch to zoom into the property until you can see the lawn area clearly.
Tap Draw Area at the bottom of the screen to enter drawing mode.
Tap each corner of the lawn area to place a point. The polygon fills in as you go. Aim for the inner edge of any borders (fence line, sidewalk, beds).
Tap the first point again to close the polygon, or tap Done in the toolbar.
To adjust a point, tap and drag it to its correct position. To delete a point, tap it and tap the X that appears.
Tip: For properties with separate front and back yards, draw them as two polygons. The total square footage adds both areas together. Tap Add Area to start a second polygon on the same map.
Square Footage
As soon as you close the polygon, LawnBook calculates the area in square feet (or square meters, depending on your unit preference in Settings). The measurement is displayed in the panel at the bottom of the screen along with the perimeter length.
Accuracy depends on map zoom level and polygon precision. At standard satellite zoom with careful corner placement, measurements are typically within 3–5% of actual size — accurate enough for quoting and planning purposes.
Note: Map measurement uses satellite imagery coordinates, not GPS. It works anywhere in the world where satellite imagery is available, including remote rural properties.
Mow Time Estimate
After measuring, LawnBook estimates how long the area will take to mow based on the square footage and your equipment settings. The estimate appears automatically in the results panel.
How mow time is calculated
The calculation uses your mower deck width and walking speed, which you set in Settings → Equipment. Default values are set to a typical 21" residential push mower. If you use a zero-turn or wider deck, update your equipment profile for more accurate estimates.
| Area | 21" Push (default) | 48" Zero-turn | 60" Zero-turn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000 sq ft | ~25 min | ~12 min | ~10 min |
| 6,000 sq ft | ~45 min | ~22 min | ~18 min |
| 10,000 sq ft | ~75 min | ~36 min | ~29 min |
| 15,000 sq ft | ~110 min | ~54 min | ~43 min |
The mow time estimate includes a 15% buffer for turning, trimming, and blower work. You can adjust this buffer in Settings if your efficiency differs.
Mulch Calculator
Switch to the Mulch tab in the results panel to calculate how many cubic yards of mulch you'll need for the measured area. Enter the desired mulch depth (typically 2–3 inches) and the calculator returns the cubic yardage.
Mulch depth reference
- 2 inches — light refresh of an existing bed
- 3 inches — standard application for weed suppression
- 4 inches — new beds or areas with heavy weed pressure
The calculator also shows the number of standard 2 cu ft bags needed, which is useful if you're buying from a big box store rather than bulk delivery.
Tip: Use a separate polygon for each mulched bed area, then add the cubic yardage totals together for your full order. The mulch calculator works on any drawn polygon, not just the main lawn area.
Saving to Property
When you finish measuring, tap Save to Property to store the polygon and measurements with the client's property record. Saved measurements appear in the property profile and are used by the AI when generating seasonal service plans and job profitability calculations.
You can update a saved measurement at any time by reopening the map from the property profile and tapping Edit Polygon.
Tips & Accuracy
- Zoom in fully before drawing — more zoom means more accurate point placement
- Exclude driveways and hardscaping — trace only the turf area you'll actually mow
- Use multiple polygons for properties with separate front/back areas or complex shapes
- Cross-check with county records for bidding on large commercial properties where precision matters
- Label each polygon (Front, Back, Side) so you remember which area each measurement covers