How to Find Curved Distances on Maps

Routes on a map often follow curves.

A length on a map corresponds with a proportionate real-life distance. To find the distance between two points, measure the length with a ruler and convert it to distance using the map's scale. Curved distances offer an extra challenge. Rulers don't bend around them, and even tape measures rarely bend enough to follow complicated routes. The easiest way to measure a curved distance is to follow it with a thread, which you later measure.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Thread

Instructions

1. Place one end of the string on the map's starting point.

2. Lay the string along the map, covering the route's every curve.

3. Grip the point of the thread that marks the route's end point with the fingernails of your thumb and forefinger. Grip the thread's other end with your other hand.

4. Stretch the thread until it becomes taut.

5. Lay the thread along the ruler to measure it.

6. Convert this measurement to real-life distance using the map's scale. If an inch on the map represents a mile, and the string measures 8 inches, the route is 8 miles long.

References

• There Are Places: What Does Scale Mean and How Do You Use It?