Measure map distance with a twig

Here’s an easy navigation trick to quickly estimate straight line distance between points on a map. This works for maps at any scale, provided you have a scale bar, which most maps should have.

Take a twig and break it to match a convenient distance on the scale bar on your map. For many maps, that might be 1 mile or kilometer. Here it's 2 miles. (Often the mile and km scale bars look very similar and are right next to each other. Be sure you’re using the correct one.)

Now, put your twig on the map to get a quick estimation of straight line distance between real world points. To measure longer distances, “leapfrog” the twig between points.

To measure a curving distance like a trail, road or river, it’s better to use the “finger” scale, learn how to do that here.