Measure distances and areas

You can easily measure distances and areas on your map using the Measure tool. The Measure tool allows you to draw a single-segment or multisegment line to measure a linear path, or a shape to measure a specific area. You can also use the Measure tool to find the coordinates of any point on the map.

You can specify the measurement units displayed by default when the tool is opened. The units can be changed as needed while the tool is being used.

You can also use the Measure tool to trigger interactions configured by the designer. Press the Trigger interactions button after measuring a distance or shape or finding the coordinates of a point on the map; features that are intersected by the measurement graphic are selected, and configured selectors or links that are enabled for automatic interactions are triggered by the selection.

Open the Measure tool

The Measure tool is available from the Tools menu in the map.

From the Tools menu, choose Measure.
The Measure tool is displayed.

Measure a distance

Measure distances on the map by drawing a line to specify a linear path.

In the Measure tool, press Distance.
Press to create two or more points to draw a line. When you are finished drawing, press twice to complete the line.
The result of your distance measurement is displayed.
Note:
Depending on the distance and location of your measurement, the line you drew may be curved. This is because the Measure tool must take into account the natural curvature of the earth to calculate the shortest path between two points. The curve you see is called a geodesic curve. Lines and shapes drawn using geodesic curves more accurately represent length, direction, and position everywhere on the surface of the earth.
To change the distance units, choose a new unit of measurement from the drop-down menu.
The result updates to reflect the new units.
To measure another distance, press on the map and draw a new line.
The last line you drew is removed from the map and the measurement result is updated to reflect the new distance.

Measure an area

Measure areas on the map by drawing a shape to specify an area.

In the Measure tool, press Area.
Press to create three or more points to draw a shape. Press twice to complete the shape.
The result of your area measurement is displayed.
Note:
Depending on the distance and location of your measurement, the lines in the shape you drew may be curved. This is because the Measure tool must take into account the natural curvature of the earth to calculate the shortest path between two points. The curve you see is called a geodesic curve. Lines and shapes drawn using geodesic curves more accurately represent length, direction, and position everywhere on the surface of the earth.
To change the area units, choose a new unit of measurement from the drop-down menu.
The result updates to reflect the new units.
To measure another area, press on the map and draw a new shape.
The last shape you drew is removed from the map and the measurement result is updated.

Display coordinates for a point

Display longitude and latitude coordinates for a point on the map by pressing a specific location.

In the Measure tool, press Location.
Press the map at the location for which you want to get coordinates. To view the coordinates of another location, press Location again and press a new location on the map.
The coordinates for the location you specified are displayed.
To change the units, choose a new unit of measurement from the drop-down menu.
The results update to reflect the new units.

Pan the map while measuring

You may find that what you want to measure is not completely contained within the current extent of the map; for example, a street or parcel may extend beyond what is visible.

To move the map as you're measuring while still maintaining the cumulative total distance or area, hold and drag to pan the map in the direction you want. Once you get the map to where you want it to be, resume measuring by pressing the map.

Trigger interactions

After measuring a distance or area or finding the coordinates of a point, you can easily trigger configured interactions.

Measure a distance or area or find the coordinates of a point.
Press Trigger interactions.
Features intersected by the measurement graphic are selected.
Based on the selection, configured selectors or links that are enabled for automatic interactions are triggered.

Close the Measure tool

You can close the Measure tool by pressing the Close button on the tool. When you close the tool, all measurement graphics are cleared from the map.