A method and apparatus for laying out foundations prior to construction. Ideally, two stakes are provided for each corner to be formed in a construction project and line extends from each corner to an adjacent corner. Each stake is configured with a clamping mechanism which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of the string associated therewith.

A layout for a static structure, such as a building or the like, is defined using a plurality of triangles and a plurality of tethering cables. The layout is effected by measuring from a property line for a starting point and for a length of a base line. The triangles and tethering cables are located and connected to define at least one angle, and further angles and lines are measured from this first angle.

A support is disclosed for adjustably supporting a distal end of a measuring cord relative to a ground surface. The support includes a body member having a longitudinally extending slot. A first and a second pin is slidably disposed within the first and second apertures in the body member with the first and second pins being able to be driven into the ground surface to vertically position the body member relative to the ground surface. A hook is slidably mounted within the slot for supporting the distal end of the measuring cord and for horizontally positioning the distal end of the measuring cord relative to the ground surface.

An adjustable batter board used in locating forms and trenches for pouring foundations and constructing walls includes an elongated tubular cross member having holes passing from a top to a bottom surface at each end of the cross member for receiving reinforcing rods therethrough. The rods pass through the top and bottom holes within the tubular cross member and through an eye of an eyebolt positioned within the tubular cross member and aligned with the top and bottom holes. With the rods driven into the ground at desired locations, adjustment of the batter board to a desired vertical location on the rods is made and the eyebolts at each end of the member are forced outwardly toward a tube end through the tightening of a nut at the eyebolt threaded end for biasing the rod against a hole side wall and thus securing the batter board the rods. A U-clamp styled slide member moveable along the cross member outside surface includes a slot for permitting an alignment string to be positioned onto the cross member top surface. The slide member further includes a bolt passing between ends of the clamp for biasing the ends against the cross member for securing the string position.

An arrangement comprising a laser projection device is used in determining the location of corners in constructing a foundation of a building or other structure. The arrangement is also used in positioning wooden beams perpendicular to one another in a floor frame or similar structure.