Convert distances on a map into distances on the ground.
At 1:25,000, 1 cm on the map represents 250 m on the ground. Use the scale of the current printed map: resizing a map changes its scale. Distances are horizontal plan distances and do not account for terrain or winding routes.
Instructions
- Choose Convert: map distance to ground distance or the reverse.
- Enter Scale denominator (1 : …), using 25000 for a 1:25,000 map.
- Enter Distance to convert and select Map unit and Ground unit.
- Select Calculate, then Download results or Print if you need a field copy.
Understanding your results
At 1:25,000, 4 cm represents 1 km horizontally. Measure along the route if it bends rather than using a straight line between its ends. The scale calculation does not add ascent or account for how difficult the ground is to cross.
What to do if the distance does not match your printed map
Check the map has not been enlarged or reduced. Use its current scale or scale bar. Check that millimetres have not been entered as centimetres and that the conversion direction matches your measurement.
Using this tool in your browser
This tool handles your entries in your browser with JavaScript enabled and does not save them automatically. Use the download or print controls described in the instructions to keep a copy before closing or reloading the page. On a phone, your browser controls where downloads go and which print options are available.
Summary
A correct scale and unit choice give you a useful horizontal distance for further planning.