Measuring data

The measure tool does not require a layer to be selected in the layer panel in order for it to work. This means that it is independent of a layer(s). The measure tool can measure length, area, or angle, and you can use the drop-down button next to the tool to select the required option. In this example, let's measure length. Select the measure line option and then left-click on the map to begin the measurement. After doing this, left-click again to measure the segment. Continue to left-click to measure segments of the line or right-click on the end point to finish measuring.

The following diagram shows a series of left clicks on the Alaska layer:

Use the drop-down boxes to adjust the units of measurement you require. The default is set to meters; we have changed ours to kilometers to obtain a more usable distance unit.

If you expand the arrow next to Info in the Measure toolbox, you will get more information about how the measure tool is calculating the distance/area. An example is shown in the following screenshot: