Using the Ruler Window as You Draw - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

The Ruler window shows the distance of line segments as you draw, as well as the cumulative distance of the drawn object. If necessary, a rubber-banding line displays to show what points are being used to compute the distance. The Ruler window also displays what type of calculation is used to compute the distance: Spherical or Cartesian. The type of calculation depends on the projection of the map.

The following drawing commands will display a rubber-banding line:

• Arc
• Ellipse
• Rectangle
• Rounded Rectangle

You can also use the Ruler window with the Radius Selection and Marquee Selection commands.

If the Ruler window is not active, the drawing and selection commands noted above do not display distance. The rubber-banding line does not display.

For more instructions, see Measuring the Distance between Two Points.

Measuring the Distance between Two Points

The Ruler command measures the distance between two points and the total distance of a multi-segment path.

To measure the distance between two points:

1. Select HOME tab, in the Windows group, click Tool Windows, and click Ruler from the list, to open the Ruler window.
2. Click at the point where you want to start measuring, a small box displays on the screen to mark the point.
3. Move the cursor and click on a location. A box displays to mark the second point. MapInfo Pro adds that distance to the total distance.

   This is useful when you want to follow along a street in a map and see how long the street is. You can also use it to find the distance along a path that includes various streets and roads.

4. Double-click the mouse button when you have completed the measurement.

To measure the length of a multi-segment path, repeat step 3 above until you have outlined the total distance of the path. When you have completed the measurement, couble-click the mouse button.

You can start another measurement or choose a new command. When you choose a new command, you may want to close the Ruler window.

When you want to change the units of measure, on the MAP tab, in the Options group, click Map Options.