Menu path
Construct Roof > 2D Roof > Measure Pitch
Construct Roof > 2D Roof > Measure Pitch
This function allows you to import an oblique aerial image and measure roof pitch by placing the 3D cursor on a corner (typically an eave corner) and aligning the X, Y, Z axes to the image. The measured pitch can be used to create 2D or 3D roof models.
🧾 Getting started
First, import your aerial image:
Select Construct Roof > Track Outline
Click the Enable Underlay Image button
Load the image from a file (usually saved in the ...\Roof Wizard\User folder) or from the Windows clipboard using tools like 'Snipping Tool'
Then select the Measure Pitch tool button.
The dialog box displays and the 3D axis icon is placed at the model origin (X,Y,Z = 0).
🔧 Positioning the 3D axes
The 3D axis indicator initially appears at the workspace origin, which may not match your current image location.
Use these controls to position and align the axes:
Control | Function |
Move Axis Origin | Places the 3D axis icon on the desired corner of the roof, typically at an eave corner |
Modify Axes | Aligns the respective axes with roof edges in the image. Prompts you to locate each axis (X, Y, and Z) in turn |
You can repeat this process iteratively until you're satisfied with the placement of the axis indicator. Right-click Cancel to finish placement.
🛠 Measuring gable pitch/slope
The Measure Pitch/Slope option measures an angle in the selected construction plane as indicated by the axis indicators.
Follow these steps:
Move Axis Origin - Position to align with a corner of the roof
Modify Axes - Align axes with the roof image edges
Measure Pitch/Slope - Select the plane to measure pitch in (typically XZ) and click a point along the gable line:
The pitch will be displayed in degrees
(or slope/percentage based on your system preferences).
🛠 Measuring hip pitch/slope
The Measure Hip Pitch/Slope function prompts for the other end of the hip from the 3D axes origin, then the apex point. The hip end is drawn and the pitch of each plane is displayed.
Process for hip measurement:
Position the 3D axes origin with Move Axis Origin to the first corner
Left-click on the second corner of the hip to locate the new axes origin position
Next left-click on the third corner (or a close guess as we did here), thus establishing the new X,Y,Z
Use Modify Axes and follow prompts for new X axis, Y axis, and Z axis alignment
Select Measure Pitches/Slope and follow prompts for:
Reference Axis (Base of Hip)
Axis to measure pitch towards (usually Z axis)
Other end of the hip
Approximate hip apex point
The hip is drawn with pitches displayed. You can reselect the apex point repeatedly to improve accuracy.
🔧 Measurement options
Use the Options button to customise display settings:
Setting | Description |
Axis Size | Sets the size of the lines representing the X, Y, Z axes on screen |
Axis Colour | Sets the colour of each axis line from the CAD colour palette |
Text Colour | Sets the colour of the pitch dimension text. Select a colour that contrasts well with the underlay image |
Text Size | Sets the size of the text on screen. Choose a number large enough to read clearly |
💡 Tips for accurate measurement
Position the axis origin at clear, identifiable roof corners
Ensure good contrast between text colour and background image
Use iterative adjustment of axes alignment for best accuracy
For hip measurements, you can repeatedly adjust the apex point to refine results
Results display in degrees, slope, or percentage based on your Set-Up > System Preferences settings