Measure Distance on the Map

The Measure Distance functionality is available only if you are using a projected coordinate system. The functionality is disabled if the coordinate system you are using is unknown or geographic. See Change the Map Projection for more details.

The button allows you to measure lines, polylines, and polygons on the map. To measure distances on the map:

1. Click the button to enable the measure distance control. The Measure window displays.
   

   Measure Window

   Measure Window Buttons
   Button	Description
   	Measures a line.
   	Measures an area.
   	Returns the length, perimeter, area, or coordinates of a feature.
   	Calculates the sum of consecutive measurements.
   	Allows you to change the measurement units for distance or area.
   	Clears the measurements.
   	Allows you to change the measurement type between Planar, Geodesic, Loxodrome, and Great Eliptic.

2. Do one of the following:
   • To measure a line, click the button.
   • To measure the area and perimeter of a polygon, click the button.

   The button is not functional. To measure the perimeter of a polygon, measure each line of the polygon to get the approximate perimeter.

3. Click the points of the line or polygon that you would like to measure. To indicate the last point, double-click the last point of the line or polygon. The measurement displays in the Measure window.