x y position on page of multiple fragments

[Rob Canning]

hello,
i am trying to do a new version of a piece i originally made in finale
its a grid type mobile structure type score
what i need is someone to point me at the documentation that would help 
me make multiple musical fragments and then distribute them on a single 
page in a number of configurations - a grid to start with - but once i 
know how to make little musical snips of set dimentions and move them on 
the x y axis of the page should be easy from there...
there is a picture of the score i made in finale on this page about 
halfway down
http://www.robcanning.info/melencolia.html

i am guessing this kind of work is going to be alot easier with lilypond
i just need a pointer where to start in the docs

many thanks

rob c