A method of projecting a template on a workpiece provides a measurement system for determining a location of a workpiece and a laser projector for projecting a laser template. A feature on the workpiece having geometric significance is identified. A physical location of the feature in a three dimensional coordinate system is determined and compared to a theoretical location of the feature on computer model of the workpiece. A template correlated to the feature is selected. The projection of the template onto the workpiece relative to the feature is optimized by correlating alignment of the physical location of the feature with the computer model of the feature. The template is projected onto the workpiece based upon the optimized projection for directing work to be performed on the workpiece.