Need to find the distance between two locations, measure the length of a road, or calculate the approximate length of a fence? Google Earth Pro has built-in tools that allow you to measure straight-line distances and longer routes made up of multiple points.
The most useful options are the Ruler and Path tools. You can also change the measurement unit and save a path for later use. The workflow below is based on the supplied tutorial material and Google's official documentation.
What Can You Measure in Google Earth Pro?
Google Earth Pro can be used to measure:
- Distance between two locations
- Length of roads or trails
- Fence and property boundaries
- Routes with multiple turns
- Distance along a custom path
Google's documentation confirms that Google Earth Pro supports measurements using lines and paths, while saved measurements can be stored under Places.
Once you have completed this process, you may also want to learn How to Measure Land Area in Google EarthPro, if you need calculate area of your propert is simple by using this method
How to Measure a Straight-Line Distance
Step 1: Find Your Location
Open Google Earth Pro and search for the location you want to measure. Zoom in until the starting and ending points are clearly visible.
Step 2: Open the Ruler
From the top menu, select:
Tools → Ruler
A Ruler window will appear. Select the appropriate measurement option and choose your preferred distance unit.
Step 3: Select the Starting and Ending Points
Click the location where you want the measurement to begin, then click the destination point.
Google Earth Pro will display the calculated distance in the Ruler window. You can change the unit using the dropdown menu. Google's official instructions confirm this workflow for taking and saving measurements.
This method is useful when you need a simple distance between two points, such as between two buildings or landmarks.
If you also need to create elevation profile, see our guide on How to Create an Elevation Profile in Google Earth Pro, where we explain how to do it step by step.
How to Measure a Route With Multiple Points
A straight-line measurement is not suitable when the route changes direction. For example, a road may curve around buildings or a fence may have several corners.
In this situation, use the Path option.
Select Tools → Ruler → Path, then click along the route you want to measure. Add a point whenever the route changes direction.
For example:
Start → Point 1 → Point 2 → Point 3 → Destination
Google Earth Pro adds the individual segments together and displays the total distance.
This approach is useful for measuring roads, walking routes, pipelines, fences, trails, and other features that do not follow a straight line.
How to Change the Distance Unit
After creating your measurement, use the unit dropdown in the measurement window to select the unit you need.
Depending on the available settings, you may work with units such as:
- Metres
- Kilometres
- Feet
- Miles
Always check the selected unit before recording the final measurement. Google also provides settings for changing measurement systems.
How to Save a Measured Path
If you want to keep the measurement, give the path a descriptive name and select Save.
Google Earth Pro adds saved measurements to the Places panel, where you can reopen them later.
For example, you could save a measurement as:
Main Road – 2.5 km
or
Northern Property Fence
Saving measurements is particularly useful when working with several locations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring From Too Far Away
Zoom in before placing points. A distant view makes it harder to identify the exact location where each measurement should begin or end.
Using a Straight Line for a Curved Route
A straight-line measurement shows the direct distance between points. If you need the length of a road, fence, or winding route, use multiple points along the feature.
Forgetting to Check the Unit
A result of 5,000 feet is very different from 5,000 metres. Always check the selected unit.
Assuming the Measurement Is Survey-Grade
Google states that distance measurements may not be 100% accurate, particularly in areas involving 3D terrain and buildings. Measurements also do not account for changes in elevation. For better results, Google recommends using a top-down view.
Therefore, Google Earth Pro is excellent for preliminary measurements and planning, but high-precision or legally authoritative measurements should be verified using appropriate professional surveying methods.
Conclusion
Measuring distance in Google Earth Pro is straightforward. For a direct distance, open Tools → Ruler, select the appropriate measurement option, and click the starting and ending points. For roads, fences, routes, or other features with bends, use Path and add multiple points along the feature.
You can change the distance unit, save important measurements, and reopen them later from Places. With careful point placement and a suitable viewing angle, Google Earth Pro can be a useful tool for everyday mapping, planning, and preliminary distance measurements.
For additional information and the latest guidance, see the official Google Earth Help documentation on Measure distanceand elevation
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