Abstract: A dynamic display method and apparatus includes a computer operatively connected to an external measuring device (EMD) or numeric input device. A figure approximating a real object or space and incorporating recognizable geometric elements is sketched by the user and displayed on the computer display screen. A specified geometric element of the figure is user selected and dimensioned by operation of an external measuring device. A constraint engine subsystem within the computer incorporates the dimensioning information into the figure and redraws the figure as each dimension is received from the external measuring device.