The invention pertains to a method for determining at least one spatial coordinate of a measurement point of a local structure (2,2') of an object (3), providing a mobile coordinate measuring machine (1), the method comprising at least placing the mobile coordinate measuring machine (1) on a surface (30) of the object (3) to be measured, approaching the measurement point with a sensing head (21,26), and determining at least one spatial coordinate of the at least one measurement point, characterized by establishing a defined spatial relation between the coordinate measuring machine (1) and the local structure (2,2'), wherein the defined spatial relation is established by means of a mechanical fixation of the coordinate measuring machine (1) to the object (3), and/or a continuous determination of position and orientation of the coordinate measuring machine (1) relative to the object (3). The invention furthermore pertains to a mobile coordinate measuring machine (1) and a computer programme product for execution of said method.