LOS ANGELES: Google Maps can do more than plot a route – it can also measure straight-line distances between any two points, and even calculate the size of an area.
On a computer, right-click on the starting point, select "Measure distance" at the bottom of the context menu, then left-click on the map where the destination point is.
Maps will immediately display the straight-line distance on the map – both directly alongside the line and in a small box at the bottom centre of the screen.
But that's not all: additional points can be added to the map with a left-click, which Maps will then connect, chart and measure in turn.
This can go as far as clicking back on the starting point at the end, at which point Maps displays not only the straight-line length of the resulting loop, but also the size of the enclosed area in square metres.
This means you can both determine straight-line distances and calculate the size of areas – for plots of land or buildings, for example.
Area calculations are not available in the mobile app, but straight-line measurements are. To use this feature, press and hold a finger on the starting point until the context menu appears. Again, select "Measure distance" at the bottom, then drag the map with a finger until the destination point is positioned on the desired location.
The distance is then shown at the bottom left. If needed, tap the plus sign at the bottom right to add further measurement points to the map. – dpa
