Change the length units in Imperial and Metric systems

Draw a line or shape

1. Draw the line or shape. 

   To learn how to draw a line, visit these links:

   • Line Tool—Draw a Straight Line, Connected Lines, Flight Line or Dimension Line
   • Draw Tool—Draw a freeform line
   • Pen/Curve Tool—Draw a precise curved line

   To learn how to draw a shape, visit these links:

   • Draw a rectangle - (Rectangle Tool)
   • Circle Tool—Draw a circle
   • Draw a polygon - (Polygon Tool)

   We’ll start this example by drawing a line.

Open and move the Settings window

2. At the bottom-left corner of the Map View footer, click on the Gear Icon.
   OR
   Click on the Menu in the top left corner, and then select the "UI Settings" icon.
   The Settings window will pop up.
    
3. (Optional) Click and drag on the border of the Settings window so the line you drew is visible.

Select the Imperial system and the length unit

4. Under the Measurement heading, click the radio button to choose whether you want the length units to be displayed using the Metric or the Imperial system.
   We’ll start this example by choosing: Imperial.

   You will see that Length Unit is set to the default: Auto.

   This means that the units will be set automatically to: miles.

    
5. Select the "Edit/Measure Tool" in the top toolbar.

   Quick Key: Or you can press the "Q" button on your keyboard.

    
6. In the Map View, hover over the line you drew.
   An info bubble will appear that displays the length measurement in; miles.
    
7. View the Settings window. For the Imperial system, you can set the Length Unit to:
   • Auto - (mile).
   • Inch.
   • Feet.
   • Feet Inches - (0’0”).
   • Yard.
   • Mile.
   • Nautical Mile.

Select the Metric system and the length unit

4. Under the Measurement heading, click the radio button to choose whether you want the length units to be displayed using the Metric or the Imperial system.
   We’ll start this example by choosing: Metric.

   You will see that Length Unit is set to the default: Auto.

   This means that the units will be set automatically to: kilometers.

    
5. Select the "Edit/Measure Tool" in the top toolbar.

   Quick Key: Or you can press the "Q" button on your keyboard.

    
6. In the Map View, hover over the line you drew.
   An info bubble will appear that displays the length measurement in; kilometres.
    
7. View the Settings window. For the Metric system, you can set the Length Unit to:
   • Auto - (kilometre).
   • Millimetre.
   • Centimetre.
   • Meter.
   • Kilometre.

See also

Change the area units in Imperial and Metric systems