Abstract: A method for evaluating a position of a selected sub-space of a nesting plan is provided. The nesting plan is provided for controlling a cutting process of a flatbed machine tool for cutting out workpieces from a material sheet and includes an overlap-free arrangement of respective sub-spaces, the respective sub-spaces corresponding to the workpieces. The method includes providing contour data specifying a cutting contour that delimits the selected sub-space in the position to be evaluated within the planning space, and providing position data indicating respective positions in the planning space of spaces to be considered in the evaluation. The spaces include a group of supported spaces and a group of support surrounding spaces. The method includes providing cutting operation data for at least one section and determining an evaluation value for the position to be evaluated of the selected sub-space using the calculated damage rate of the cutting contour.