Define paddock boundaries with the 4-step Area Wizard
An area is a set of connected markers that defines a boundary or line on your property. Areas can be closed shapes (paddocks) or open lines (fence lines).
3 or more markers form an enclosed boundary. The app calculates area in hectares and perimeter in metres.
2 or more markers form a linear feature. The app calculates total length in metres.
The Area Wizard guides you through creating an area from naming to boundary verification. Launch it from Map → Areas tab → + button.
In Step 2, choose how to define your boundary. You can combine multiple methods in a single area.
Link to markers already placed at the property level. Markers are shared, not duplicated — a corner post can belong to multiple paddocks.
Import coordinates from Google Earth or other mapping software. The importer auto-detects marker types from placemark names.
Tap locations directly on the satellite map to place markers. Each tap creates a marker at that position.
Extract GPS coordinates from geotagged photos. Walk the fence line, take photos at corners, and the app places markers where you stood.
Combining methods: You can mix sources in a single area. For example, import KML for the main boundary, then add extra markers from the map for a missing corner. Or use existing markers for shared fence posts and add new map-tapped markers for the rest.
As you add markers using any method, they appear in a pending list below the source cards. Each marker shows its name, type icon, coordinates, and which source method was used (colour-coded).
Marker order determines how the boundary is drawn. If markers are out of sequence, you’ll see crossed lines instead of the correct shape. Step 3 provides four automatic sorting algorithms plus manual drag-to-reorder.
Sorts markers by the numbers found in their names. “Point 3”, “Point 1”, “Point 2” becomes “Point 1”, “Point 2”, “Point 3”. Uses natural number ordering (“Corner 2” before “Corner 10”).
Best for: KML imports with numbered placemarks, or markers you’ve named with sequence numbers.
Calculates the centre point of all markers, then arranges them in a radial sweep (clockwise) around that centre. Creates a clean, non-crossing boundary for regular shapes.
Best for: Roughly circular, rectangular, or regular-shaped paddocks. Good first-pass sort for most situations.
Starts with the first marker and visits the closest unvisited marker at each step. Creates an efficient path that minimises travel distance between consecutive points.
Best for: Markers gathered by walking the fence line (GPS or photo methods). Evenly spaced boundary points.
Uses a Graham scan algorithm to identify markers that form the outermost boundary. Interior markers are appended after the hull points.
Best for: Paddocks with some markers inside the boundary. Ensures the outer shape is correct first, then you can fine-tune interior points.
If automatic sorting doesn’t produce the perfect shape, use manual reordering for precise control.
Tip: Combine methods — apply Angle from Centre first to get close, then manually drag one or two markers to fix any remaining crossed lines.
Use Import Sequence. Your markers already have numbers in their names that define the correct order.
Use Angle from Centre. The radial sweep creates clean boundaries for regular shapes.
Use Nearest Neighbour. It follows the path you walked by visiting each closest point.
Use Convex Hull. It finds the outer boundary first, then appends interior points.
Start with Angle from Centre, then use manual drag-to-reorder to fix any crossed lines.
Try Angle from Centre first — it works well for most paddock shapes. Check the map preview and switch methods if needed.
Tap any area in the Areas list to open it in the wizard at Step 3 (Sort & Preview).
The map preview shows the current shape. Tap it for a full-screen view. If the shape looks correct, no changes are needed.
Use sorting algorithms or manual drag-to-reorder. Go back to Step 2 to add more markers, or swipe left to remove markers from the boundary.
Tap Save to update the area. Marker sequences are updated; shared markers in other areas are not affected.
Check markers are in the correct order by opening the area in the wizard (Step 3). Ensure the polygon toggle is on for enclosed areas. Verify markers are at the correct positions on the satellite map.
Markers are out of sequence. Try Angle from Centre sorting first. If still crossed, use manual drag-to-reorder to fix specific markers. Check the map preview after each change.
KMZ files (compressed) are not currently supported — use .kml files. Check the KML contains <Placemark> elements with <coordinates>. Very large files may take a moment to parse.
Ensure Location Services was enabled when the photos were taken. Photos taken indoors or with poor GPS may have inaccurate coordinates. Check the photo’s location in the Photos app before importing.
Only non-archived property-level markers appear. Use the search box to filter by name. Check the markers haven’t been archived in the Markers tab.
Tap Recalculate to force a measurement update. The preview map should also update to show the new boundary shape.
Download Alffi and define your first paddock boundary today.