Set the scale of a plot plan
Calibrate an imported plan so measurements and drawn features match real-world distances.
On this page
Scale tells Klora how distances on an imported plot plan relate to distances on the property. Set it before tracing boundaries, buildings, beds, paths, or other measured features.
Address and aerial-imagery imports already use real-world scale. Manual calibration is for an imported plot plan, scan, or photo.
Pick a calibration measurement
Choose a dimension that is clearly labeled and easy to identify at both ends. A long property line or scale bar is usually better than a short porch, step, or doorway because a small pointing error has less effect on the result.
Use the exact endpoints of the labeled measurement. Do not include arrowheads, extension lines, or nearby features unless they are part of the stated distance.
Calibrate the plan
Choose Calibrate scale
Choose Calibrate scale from the drawing tools. You can also press C.
Mark the first endpoint
Click one end of the known measurement on the plot plan.
Mark the second endpoint
Click the other end of the same measurement. Zoom in first when the endpoints are small or close to other lines.
Enter the known distance
Enter the distance printed on the source, then apply the calibration. Klora updates the design scale from the two points and the distance you supplied.
On a phone or tablet, tap the two endpoints. Pinch to zoom before placing them, and use a long labeled measurement when possible so small touch errors have less effect.
Check the result
Choose Measure or press M, then measure a different labeled distance on the source. It should be reasonably close to the printed value.
A small difference may come from line thickness or where the endpoints were placed. A large difference usually means the wrong source points or distance were used.
If another labeled part of the plan disagrees substantially even after a careful calibration, the source image may be stretched, photographed at an angle, or scanned unevenly.
Calibrate again
Choose Calibrate scale again and repeat the process with a better measurement. The new calibration replaces the previous scale.
Use a second known dimension to check the result rather than calibrating repeatedly against the same line.
Everything I draw is too large or too small
Calibrate again. Confirm that the entered distance matches the two points you selected and that you did not switch units or use only part of the labeled dimension.
One part of the source measures correctly and another does not
The source may be skewed or stretched. Use the original PDF or a flat scan instead of a photo taken at an angle.
I cannot identify the endpoints
Zoom in and choose a different labeled line. Long, clearly dimensioned property lines are usually the easiest references.
Calibrate scale does not apply to my aerial image
Aerial imagery is already tied to real-world scale. Use manual calibration only with a plot-plan background.
Next steps
Why it works
The design thinking behind this
This guide covers the how. These cover the why — the reasoning that decides what you should be drawing in the first place.