Overview

In some workflows, a surveyed control point is not available, but a reliable trade point has already been printed on the slab. In these cases, you can manually create a control point (CP) in the Dusty app using a trade point and then use it for stationing.

This workflow should only be used when surveyed control is not available and the trade point is known to be accurate.

Symptoms / What You’ll See

• No surveyed control points are available for stationing.
• A clearly printed trade point exists on the slab and is trusted.
• You need to create a CP directly in the field to continue layout.

Why This Happens

• Some projects rely on early trade layout or embeds before survey control is established.
• Manual workflows may require using verified trade points as temporary control.
• The Dusty app allows manual CP creation so work can continue without waiting on a surveyor.

How to Fix or Prevent

1. Verify the trade point is accurate and stable
   • Confirm the trade point represents a known, intentional location.
   • Do not use points that may shift, be covered, or be modified later.
2. Ensure the trade point exists in the layout file
   • The trade point must be visible on the tablet canvas.
   • If needed, adjust layer visibility so the point is easy to select.
3. Select the trade point
   • Tap the trade point on the canvas to select it.
   • Ensure only one point is selected.
4. Create a manual control point from the trade point
   • Once selected, navigate to the Control Point Menu
   • Select Create Control Point from Trade Point.
   • Confirm the control point is placed at the same location as the trade point.
5. Name and save the control point
   • Enter a clear, unique name that indicates it is trade-based (for example, “TP-01” or “EMBED-CP-A”).
   • Save the control point.
   1. Repeat as needed to create multiple CPs
      • Create at least three non-collinear manual CPs if possible.
      • Spread them across the work area to improve stationing quality.
6. Record the manual control points for stationing
   • Go to the Station tab.
   • Tap each manual CP and record it using the Control Point info bubble.

Best Practices

• Use manual CPs only when necessary. Surveyed control is always preferred.
• Clearly label trade-based CPs so they are not confused with surveyed control.
• Do not mix low-confidence trade points with surveyed CPs in the same station.
• Manual CPs will not correct scaling or alignment errors if the trade point itself is wrong.