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Radius Ruler and Ruler

Overview​

The Ruler tools in OsmAnd are designed to help you measure distances and understand the map scale with precision.

  • The Ruler tool displays a dynamic map scale in units such as meters or feet, helping you visually assess distances between objects on the screen.
  • The Radius Ruler allows you to set a radius from any point on the map, showing concentric circles that represent distance intervals.
  • The Distance by Tap tool lets you measure distances by tapping on the map — either from your current location or between any two locations.

These tools are useful for planning routes, estimating proximity to landmarks, and analyzing areas — whether for outdoor activities or precise navigation.

Radius-ruler screen

Ruler​

Ruler tool

The Ruler displays the current map scale as a line segment labeled with its real-world length (e.g., 100 m or 500 ft), at the bottom of the screen. Characteristics:

  • The scale adapts dynamically as you zoom in or out.
  • It gives a visual reference for estimating real-world distances between objects on the map.
  • The segment length is rounded to convenient units (e.g., 100 m), roughly matching the width of a thumb for intuitive use.

This tool is helpful when you need a quick understanding of object sizes or distances without placing markers or routes.

FormatMenu → Configure profile → General settings → Units & formats → Units of length

Radius Ruler Widget​

Go to: Menu → Configure screen → Widgets → Choose a panel → Add widget → Radius ruler

Display position Android

The Radius Ruler Widget shows the distance between your current location (My Location) and the center of the map. You can also move the map to set any custom center point. Characteristics:

  • Display concentric circles centered on the selected point.
  • The first circle reflects the current map scale for quick visual reference.
  • Automatically adjusts when zooming to maintain accurate radius values.

Use this widget to estimate proximity to points of interest or plan around a defined area.

Radius-ruler screen

Compass for Radius Ruler​

Compass ruler

When the Radius Ruler is active, the map displays a compass overlay to help orient yourself in space. The overlay shows how the map is aligned relative to true North, and may include a blue triangle indicating the device's current direction.

  • The compass ring shows the map orientation — whether North is up or rotated.
  • A blue triangle indicates the direction your device is facing.
  • To use this feature, the device must support and enable a compass sensor (GPS compass, magnetometer).
  • Holding the device horizontally improves accuracy and visualization.
  • If the blue triangle and the red arrow (North) both point upward, the device is aligned to true North.

This overlay is helpful for outdoor navigation, allowing you to match map orientation with the real environment.

EnableAndroid: Menu → Configure screen → Widgets → Choose a panel → Add widget → Radius ruler
iOS: Menu → Configure screen → Widgets → Choose a panel → Add widget → Radius ruler
FormatMenu → Configure profile → General settings → Units & formats → Angular unit (Android) → Angular measurement units (iOS)

Center / Bottom Position​

Go to: Menu → Configure screen → Other → Display position

Display position Android Radius ruler downward

To increase the visible radius around your location, you can change the position of the Radius Ruler by selecting the Center or Bottom option.

For more information about the position on the screen, see the article Configure Screen.

3D View​

Radius ruler 3D format

You can switch to 3D view to better visualize distances and surrounding terrain when using the Radius Ruler. This view tilts the map and provides a perspective effect that expands the visible radius.

The radius circles will appear with depth, which is particularly useful for route planning in hilly areas or urban environments where vertical context matters.

Distance by Tap​

Distance between two random points on the map

The Distance by Tap tool allows you to measure distances between points on the map without using the Radius Ruler or creating a route.

There are two use cases:

  • Distance from your location to a point
    Tap anywhere on the map and a straight line will appear from your current location to the tapped point, along with a distance label. The line remains on screen even if you tap elsewhere.

  • Distance between any two points
    Tap two points on the map simultaneously (multi-touch). A line connects the two points, and the measured distance is displayed.

EnableAndroid: Menu → Configure screen → Other → Distance by tap
iOS: Menu → Configure screen → Other → Distance by tap
Text size (Android)Menu → Configure screen → Other → Distance by tap → Text size
Units FormatMenu → Configure profile → General settings → Units & formats → Units of length

Video Guides​

Watch these short tutorials to learn how to use the Radius Ruler and related tools in OsmAnd:

This article was last updated in May 2025