Guides
Map measuring guides
Clear, honest how-tos for measuring distance, radius, area and elevation on a map — with worked examples you can follow along in the free tool.
How to measure the distance between two points on a map
The most common measurement there is — plus the small choices that change the answer and how to get it right.
Read the guide →How to draw a radius around a location (catchment areas explained)
Turn "within 5 km" into a real circle with an area you can read — and understand why radius isn't travel time.
Read the guide →How to measure elevation gain on a route (running & cycling)
Read total ascent, descent and the climb profile of a route before you run, walk or ride it.
Read the guide →Straight-line vs driving distance: why they differ
As-the-crow-flies and on-the-road are two different numbers. Here's when each one is the right tool.
Read the guide →How accurate are online map measurements?
What actually moves the number — point placement, map projection, terrain data — and when to trust it.
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