Abstract: A method of removing a predetermined area and depth of formable material from an expanse of the formable material having a top surface. The method makes use of a volume indicating tool that includes a depth indicator that has a material surface indicator and a depth guide. The material surface indicator is at a height above the depth guide substantially equal to the predetermined depth. The volume indicating also includes an area indicator, indicating an area equal to the predetermined area. The volume indicating tool is pushed into the formable material until the material surface indicator is level with the top surface of the formable material, thereby pushing the depth guide to the predetermined depth. Then a shovel is pushed into the deformable material until it reaches the depth of the depth guide and is used to gather formable material. The shovel is emptied at a location away from the shovel guide tool.

Abstract: A method of providing a paved area having a predetermined set of surface features. The method begins with the pouring of wet concrete into a predetermined area. Then a predetermined thickness of the wet concrete is removed in a predetermined portion of the predetermined area, thereby creating a lower, upwardly facing surface in the predetermined portion. At this point, a paving tile having the predetermined set of surface features is placed on the lower, upwardly facing surface. Finally, the wet concrete underneath and about the paving tile is permitted to cure.