Google Earth lets you measure various dimensions of points, paths, and polygons.
Each feature type includes some terrain statistics, which are provided as
advanced measurements.
> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** For best results, measure using a top-down view and the satellite basemap.
Terrain statistics initially vary with map view resolution and are refined once
drawing the feature is complete. All values depend on inferred data, which may
have errors. All measurement results are estimates, may not be 100%
accurate, and are not substitutes for onsite or survey-grade measurements.
Length or distance and area measurement results don't account for changes in
elevation.
The following table summarizes the measurement information provided for each
feature type.
| Feature type | Measurement information |
|---|---|
| Between two points or locations | - Length - Heading - Advanced measurements: - Minimum, median, and maximum elevation points of the terrain - Minimum, median, and maximum slope of the terrain |
| Path (3+ points) | - Length - Advanced measurements: - Minimum, median, and maximum elevation points of the terrain - Minimum, median, and maximum slope of the terrain |
| Polygon | - Perimeter - Area - Advanced measurements: - Minimum, median, and maximum elevation points of the terrain |
> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** These instructions only apply to Google Earth on web and mobile. Learn how to [measure distances in Google Earth
> Pro](https://support.google.com/earth/answer/148134).
### Computer
## Advanced measurements
Google Earth's measurements now include terrain statistics for paths (elevation
and slope) and polygons (elevation). Placemarks include the ground elevation of
the corresponding latitude and longitude point.
As you add points while measuring, sample points are interpolated along the
feature to estimate elevation and slope statistics.
Initial coarse estimates are provided while drawing, which are dependent on your
zoom level. Upon completing your drawing, the values are refined, but are still
only estimates.
The "Median" slope and elevation values represent the 50th percentile value
among the sampled points --- that is, 50% of the slope and elevation of the
feature are over these values, respectively.
## Measure a line
1. On your computer, open [Google
Earth](https://earth.google.com/).
2. [Search for a place](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/earth/search-for-places.md.txt), or select a location on the globe.
3. At the top, click **Measure**. Google Earth switches to a top-down view.
4. Click the map to set measurement points.
5. To remove a point, click **Undo** in the inspector panel on the right.
6. To complete your line measurement, double-click on your last point, or click **Done** in the inspector panel.
7. The inspector panels shows the following information:
- The length of the line
- The heading, or the direction from the origin, of the line
- Advanced measurements
To measure the area and perimeter of a location, set measurement points, then
double-click the first point to close the shape. The area and perimeter
information appear in the inspector panel on the right.
> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** You can't measure the elevation difference between two points.
## Edit a measurement
After adding points, drag the points to edit your line segments or shape.
To measure again, click **Start
New** in the inspector panel.
To delete your measurement and go back to the map, click
**Close** in the inspector panel.
## Change measurement units
To change measurement units after measuring, do the following:
1. In the inspector panel, next to a unit of measurement, click the drop-down.
2. Select a unit of measurement.
To adjust overall settings:
1. In the upper-right corner, click the **Settings** icon.
2. Scroll to **Formats and units** and adjust the values for each type.
## Measure the elevation of a point
1. On the map, hover over a location. The location's elevation appears in the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Right-click the location to add it as a Placemark. Select the Placemark on the map or from the **Map contents** panel to view the point's ground elevation value under **Advanced measurements** in the inspector panel.
### Android
## Advanced measurements
Google Earth's measurements now include terrain statistics for paths (elevation
and slope) and polygons (elevation). Placemarks include the ground elevation of
the corresponding latitude and longitude point.
As you add points while measuring, sample points are interpolated along the
feature to estimate elevation and slope statistics.
Initial coarse estimates are provided while drawing, which are dependent on your
zoom level. Upon completing your drawing, the values are refined, but are still
only estimates.
The "Median" slope and elevation values represent the 50th percentile value
among the sampled points --- that is, 50% of the slope and elevation of the
feature are over these values, respectively.
## Measure a line
1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Earth app.
2. [Search for a place](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/earth/search-for-places.md.txt), or select a location on the globe.
3. Tap **Measure**.
4. To add measurement points, move the map and tap **Add point**.
5. To remove a point, at the top, tap **Undo**.
6. When finished, at the bottom, tap **Done**. The measurement results are displayed on the card.
7. Pull up on the top of the card to see all measurement results, including terrain statistics under **Advanced measurements**.
To measure the area of a location, connect to your first point and tap **Close shape**.
## Edit a measurement
To measure again, on the right, tap **Start New**.
To delete your measurement and go back to the map, tap
**Back** in the top left corner.
> [!TIP]
> **Tip:** On the bottom, click **Save to project** to save the feature to a project and enable referencing the information again later and sharing it with colleagues.
## Change measurement units
To change measurement units after measuring, do the following:
1. At the bottom left, next to a unit of measurement, click the drop-down.
2. Select a unit of measurement.
To adjust overall settings:
1. At the top right, tap your profile picture.
2. Tap **Settings**.
3. Scroll to **Formats and units** and adjust the values for each type.
## Measure the elevation of a point
Add the point as a Placemark to view the point's ground elevation value at the bottom of the
screen, under **Advanced measurements**.
### iOS
## Advanced measurements
Google Earth's measurements now include terrain statistics for paths (elevation
and slope) and polygons (elevation). Placemarks include the ground elevation of
the corresponding latitude and longitude point.
As you add points while measuring, sample points are interpolated along the
feature to estimate elevation and slope statistics.
Initial coarse estimates are provided while drawing, which are dependent on your
zoom level. Upon completing your drawing, the values are refined, but are still
only estimates.
The "Median" slope and elevation values represent the 50th percentile value
among the sampled points --- that is, 50% of the slope and elevation of the
feature are over these values, respectively.
## Measure a line
1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Earth app.
2. [Search for a place](https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/earth/search-for-places.md.txt), or select a location on the globe.
3. Tap **Measure**.
4. To add measurement points, move the map and tap **Add point**.
5. To remove a point, at the top, tap **Undo**.
6. When finished, at the bottom, tap **Done**. The measurement results are displayed on the card.
7. Pull up on the top of the card to see all measurement results, including terrain statistics under **Advanced measurements**.
To measure the area of a location, connect to your first point and tap **Close shape**.
## Edit a measurement
To measure again, on the right, tap **Start New**.
To delete your measurement and go back to the map, tap
**Back** in the top left corner.
## Change measurement units
To change measurement units after measuring, do the following:
1. At the bottom left, next to a unit of measurement, click the drop-down.
2. Select a unit of measurement.
To adjust overall settings:
1. At the top right, tap your profile picture.
2. Tap **Settings**.
3. Scroll to **Formats and units** and adjust the values for each type.
## Measure the elevation of a point
Add the point as a Placemark to view the point's ground elevation value at the bottom of the
screen, under **Advanced measurements**.