Measure a distance or area

Note:

Some workflows may require specific privileges. For more information about user types, roles, and privileges, see the Accounts topic.

You can use the Measure tool to measure a linear distance or an area and its perimeter on a map.

To measure a linear distance or an area, complete the following steps:

1. From the map tools, click Analysis .

   The analysis tools appear.

2. Select the Measure tool .
3. Choose one of the following measurement options from the Measurement drop-down menu:
   • Distance —Measure a linear distance. Click the map where you want to start the measurement, click once for every vertex of the line you want to measure, and double-click to complete the line.
   • Area —Measure an area and its perimeter. Click the map where you want to start the measurement, click once for every vertex of the area you want to measure, and double-click to complete the area.

   The results appear at the bottom of the Measure pane and on the map.

4. Optionally, choose a different unit of measure from the Unit drop-down menu.

   The measurement results are converted to the new unit.

5. To enable visual indicators to show you when you draw lines that are parallel or perpendicular, turn on the Enable geometry guides toggle button.
6. To align the measurement with a layer in the map, select a layer from the Snap to layer drop-down menu.
7. Click Clear measurement to clear and start another measurement.

   Note:

   The measurement is also cleared when you switch between distance and area or click another tool.

Move the map while measuring

If the distance or area to be measured is not completely within the current map extent—for example, a street or parcel extends beyond what is visible—pan the map as you measure while maintaining the cumulative total distance or area. To do this, drag the map in the desired direction, and double-click to complete the measurement.