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Map measurer?

PostPosted: Thu 11 Apr, 2019 10:05 pm
by Bill P
Wondering if anyone can recommend a mechanical map measurer that is currently available to purchase. ( I have a new found need for this arcane practise. :wink: )

The device Im after is a hand held unit which has a small trundle wheel than you run around your map route, and the distance is given on a dial. The dial generally has scales to suit the map. I did have a plastic Silva one 20 years ago which i was not that keen on. (seemed cheap with a somewhat wonky trundle wheel) .

ive seen metal ones which were more precisely made which i would prefer. Any ideas?

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Thu 11 Apr, 2019 10:28 pm
by bernieq
A piece of string?

Seriously, I've used both (back with the dinosaurs) and the string worked better for me

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Fri 12 Apr, 2019 4:27 am
by Aardvark
Scientific Instruments in Kelvin Grove Brisbane.
www.sios.net.au
cheers

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Fri 12 Apr, 2019 8:30 am
by Franco
A piece of string...
That is what I used the other day when my wife wanted to know how long was our morning walk. (13 KM)
But it would not be all that accurate.

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Fri 12 Apr, 2019 12:18 pm
by ChrisJHC
Search for "Silva Map Measurer Plus site:au". Make sure you're sitting down when you see the price.

Note that I often use Google Maps for this purpose (moving the suggested route to match the actual route I plan on taking).

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Fri 12 Apr, 2019 12:48 pm
by johnrs
You could use a compass, the circle drawing kind, just measure out the cms.
John

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Sat 13 Apr, 2019 9:24 am
by ribuck
Create a GPX route on a website like gpsies.com, and see how many km it is. Sites like gpsies.com can follow mapped tracks so you don't need to click on every wiggle.

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Tue 16 Apr, 2019 5:00 pm
by Bill P
Thanks for all the suggestions. I have found a nice vintage Swiss made unit . Apparently they're called Opisometers. I do like Google Earth for this kind of work- especially as you can get an elevation profile- but in this case I am working off paper maps.

Re: Map measurer?

PostPosted: Tue 16 Apr, 2019 9:25 pm
by Neo
I have a piece of string on my compass, its 3km long.