Yes—a compatible phone can help measure lawn bowls by using its camera to identify the jack and bowls, compare their visible positions and present the result on one screen. It is a fast decision-support tool for social play, coaching and practice, but it does not replace the equipment, umpire or procedure required by a competition.

What does a lawn bowls measuring app do?

WGTS guides you to hold the phone over the head so the camera has a clear view. It detects the jack and bowls, ranks the visible bowls and shows edge-to-edge distances in centimetres. The shared overhead view can be especially useful when two bowls look almost level from standing height.

Good results depend on a compatible device, suitable lighting, a clean lens and an unobstructed view. Shadows, glare, rain, overlapping bowls or a phone held at a steep angle can make any camera-based reading harder.

How to get a clearer camera reading

  1. Wait until the end is complete. Do not step into the head or begin measuring while bowls are still being delivered.
  2. Protect the head. Walk around the bowls and never lean on equipment near an unstable bowl.
  3. Frame every contender. Keep the jack and all bowls that may count inside the camera view.
  4. Hold the phone level. Follow the on-screen positioning guidance and pause long enough for a stable capture.
  5. Review together. Let both sides see the same result before agreeing the score.

When should you use a physical measure?

The World Bowls Laws of the Sport, domestic regulations and competition conditions remain the authority. If a match requires an umpire or approved measuring equipment, use them. A phone is excellent for a quick shared view; an official decision follows the rules for the event.

Try the close-head view yourself

WGTS combines camera-assisted bowl measurement with scorecards for Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours. Download WGTS for iPhone or WGTS for Android, then check the device guidance before your first measure.

Rules note: WGTS is a decision-support tool. For competition decisions, follow your club and event rules and use an official measure or umpire whenever required.