The Ruler feature measures distances between points in ForeFlight Mobile’s Maps view. To use it:
- Activate the Ruler: Use two fingers to touch the map. A ruler will appear.
- Reposition the Ruler: Hold and slide both fingers across the map to adjust the ruler’s position. Measurements align with the dashed, not the centerline of the ruler. Align either dashed line of the ruler with the points to measure. The ruler will remain on the map after the fingers are removed.
- Remove the Ruler: To remove the ruler, tap on the map.
When distances of three nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) or less are measured, an additional field showing the distance in feet or meters will appear, depending on the distance units selected in the app’s Settings section.
When the ruler is placed on the globe, the top and bottom edges indicate the initial magnetic course bearings from each endpoint. When measuring over a long distance, the initial course bearing displayed will vary for each dashed line. For instance, in the example below, the top eastbound initial course is 56 degrees magnetic, while the bottom eastbound initial course is 67 degrees magnetic. This difference arises because the top and bottom edges measure slightly different paths on the globe, with about 500 miles of separation. The varying course bearings reflect the Earth’s curvature over that distance.
The time, fuel burn, and speed shown on the ruler are based on the aircraft’s performance definitions in the aircraft profile selected in the Maps FPL editor. In flight, the GPS-derived ground speed determines the time and speed between the selected points.
NOTE: All time and fuel estimates are based on no-wind conditions.
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