The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing a workpiece, such as a wall, a ceiling, a floor or the like in a building, by means of an appliance which can be moved, in particular an electric tool, wherein the appliance can be moved to at least one predeterminable nominal position. Essentially continuous position identification, in particular by means of optical methods, is carried out for the respective actual position of the appliance and / or of an object which can be moved corresponding to the appliance. The position information, such as the coordinates of the respective determined actual position and / or information relating to any, discrepancy between the nominal position and the actual position, is transmitted wirelessly to the appliance. The respective position information is indicated to the user on the appliance, for manual position control.