You have a construction project coming up, and you’ve found the right company to supply your temporary fencing. Now it’s time to order the fence. One of the first questions you’ll be asked? How big is your construction site?
To prevent ending the call and walking around your property with a distance finder or measuring tape, we recommend another method. It’s the easiest, most accurate, and most affordable temporary fence calculator you’ll find, using Google Maps and a simple equation.
Google Maps provides a convenient and reliable tool for measuring the perimeter of construction sites. Plus, it’s virtually free. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Google Maps to ensure your fencing fits perfectly on your property.
Why Use Google Maps for Measuring Your Site?
If you’re not new to the construction scene, you likely already have a distance finder. While a great tool, if you’re short on time or want to simplify the process, Google Maps is the answer. Accessible and easy to use, it offers the following benefits:
- Convenience: Access Google Maps from any device with internet.
- Accuracy: Google Maps is regularly updated, offering accurate and up-to-date information.
- Comparison: Unlike manual measuring, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, Google Maps provides a quick and reliable alternative.
- Cost Estimate: Understanding the distance of your construction site’s perimeter will help you get an idea of the cost estimate before you rent or buy temporary fencing.
Preparation Before Measuring
While Google Maps can simplify the site measurement process, there are still a few things you’ll need to do before getting started. Don’t worry, they’re completely computer-based and if you regularly use the app, you’ve probably already completed most of them.
Before you start measuring, make sure you:
- Update your app: Ensure you have the latest version of Google Maps. Older versions may have outdated imagery making it more difficult to measure.
- Understand the layout: Familiarize yourself with the features and scale of Google Maps. Using it on a computer may help as you’ll navigate tools on a larger screen.
- Have a Clear view: Google Maps uses satellite imagery and aerial imagery. For best results, choose a day and time when satellite images are least likely to be obstructed by shadows or poor lighting in case your area happens to be one recorded by satellite.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Site with Google Maps
Here’s how to accurately measure your site:
- Locate Your Property: Open Google Maps and enter your property’s address.
- Measure: Right-click on the map to find the ‘Measure distance’ option. Click on your starting point, and then click along the outer edges of where you want your fence to go.
- Irregular Shapes: If your property isn’t a perfect rectangle or square, continue clicking around the perimeter to capture the entire area.
- Get Results: As you click, the distance will show up directly on your screen. This is the number you will use to calculate how much fencing you will need, ie. 1,040 feet.
Calculating the Amount of Fencing Needed
Once you have your measurements, here’s what you’ll need to do next to calculate how much fencing you will need for your construction site.
- Convert Measurements: Note the total linear footage as Google Maps will provide this in feet or meters.
- Entry/Exit Points: Don’t forget to account for where your gates will be placed. FenceLine gates are 4 feet wide, while our fence panels are 10 feet wide.
- Terrain Considerations: Adjust for any significant slopes or different terrains that might affect fence installation. You may want to avoid these by finding more level ground. If you do, you’ll need to adjust your total length.
Temporary Fence Calculator: A Simple Equation
First, you’ll need to find out how many gates your site requires. This can be done with the following equation:
Fencing Required = Total Perimeter − (Number of Gates × Width of Each Gate)
- I.e. 1,040 feet – (4 x 4) = 1,024 feet
Next, you’ll calculate the number of fence panels needed. That can be done by using the equation below:
Number of Fence Panels = ( Fencing Required / Width of Fence Panel)
- I.e. 1,024 / 10 = 102.4 fence panels
If you don’t arrive at a round number, to ensure your fence is secure, you can either make adjustments to close in your space during installation or add an extra fence panel to make it wider.
Simplify Temporary Fencing with FenceLine
Using Google Maps to measure your construction site can save you time and ensure accuracy. For any additional help or to get your fencing project started, contact us at FenceLine Rentals Ltd.
Ready to measure your site or need more information? Contact us by calling 782-825-5060 in Edmonton or 587-864-5607 in Calgary. We’re here to help you with all your fencing needs!
FAQ
How do you install temporary fencing?
If you rent temporary fencing from FenceLine, our team will install it for you. If you purchase fencing, you’ll need to install it. To do this, prepare your site by removing all obstructions, marking the ground with flags or spray paint, and laying out the fence bases every 10 feet, accounting for gates.
Then, slide the fence panels into the bases, secure the couplers, and clamps, and then attach the gate systems. Inspect your fencing to ensure it’s secure and safe.
What hardware will I need?
As a general rule of thumb for hardware, you will need 1 coupler and 1 base for every fence. You will also need up to 2 security clamps for each fence, depending on your security preferences. You may also wish to purchase 1 wheel caster for each frameless gate.