How to Measure Areas and Distances with LandApp
- Makayla Bishop
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Whether you're estimating the size of a pasture, checking how far a proposed fence line runs, or sizing up a parcel before making an offer, you don't need a surveyor or a tape measure to get a solid working number. LandApp's built-in measurement tools let you measure areas and distances directly on a live map, using real parcel boundaries and aerial imagery, completely free. This guide walks through exactly how to use LandApp's app to measure both areas and distances.
What LandApp's Measurement Tools Can Be Used For
LandApp's area and distance measurement tools are built for anyone who needs a fast, reliable read on land size or spacing, without waiting on a formal survey. Common use cases include:
Landowners estimating acreage for a portion of their property, such as a field, timber stand, or building envelope
Farmers and ranchers measuring pasture, cropland, or fence-line distances for grazing rotations and fencing projects
Real estate agents and realtors sizing up listings, buildable areas, or setbacks before marketing a property
Land buyers and investors evaluating parcel size and layout during due diligence, before committing to a purchase
Hunters and outdoor recreation users measuring distances between stands, trails, or access points
Anyone planning a driveway, fence, solar farm, or other project who needs a quick distance or area estimate before involving a professional
LandApp's measurement tools give you a fast, informed starting point for these decisions. For legally binding boundaries, always confirm with a licensed land surveyor.
How to Measure Areas and Distances with LandApp
LandApp's free distance and area measurement app includes both an area mode and a distance mode, and both are free to use on the LandApp map, no LandApp Pro subscription required. Here's how to use each one.
How to Measure Areas with LandApp
To measure areas with LandApp:
Download LandApp for free on the Apple or Google Play stores.
Zoom in on the map to the area you want to measure, then click the ruler icon.
Select “Area,” then choose whether you want your measurement in imperial or metric units.
Click a starting point on the map, then click at least two more points to outline the shape you want to measure. LandApp will calculate the enclosed area and display it in red.
Click “Clear” to reset the tool and start a new measurement.
How to Measure Distances with LandApp
To measure distances with LandApp:
Download LandApp for free on the Apple or Google Play stores.
Zoom in on the map to the area you want to measure, then click the ruler icon.
Select “Distance,” then choose whether you want your measurement in imperial or metric units.
Click a point on the map, then click a second point to measure the length of that line. The measurement will display in red.
Click “Clear” to reset the tool and start a new measurement.
Start Measuring Your Land for Free
LandApp's area and distance measurement tools are free to use on every parcel, nationwide, no subscription required. Download LandApp today to start measuring, and explore LandApp Pro's My Maps tool when you're ready to draw, export, and share custom maps.
Drawing Custom Maps with LandApp Pro
The ruler tool is great for a quick area or distance check, but LandApp Pro's My Maps tool, available on desktop, is built for more advanced mapping work. With My Maps, LandApp Pro subscribers can draw, export, and upload unlimited custom maps layered directly on top of LandApp's parcel and data layers.
With My Maps on LandApp Pro, you can:
Draw custom geometries, lines, and shapes directly on the map to plan development, mark property features, or outline project areas
Measure distances and areas as part of a saved, shareable custom map instead of a one-off measurement
Upload your own KML or Shapefiles to bring existing survey or planning data into LandApp
Export your custom maps to share with clients, contractors, landowners, or for current use tax applications
Layer your custom drawings over LandApp's 40+ data layers, including soil, flood zone, wetland, and topography data, for more informed planning
For landowners, realtors, and land professionals who regularly need to document, share, or plan around measurements, upgrading to LandApp Pro's My Maps tool turns a single measurement into a reusable, shareable map asset.
LandApp's measurement tools are designed to give you a fast, informed estimate of area and distance using mapped parcel and imagery data. They are not a substitute for a licensed land survey. For legally binding boundary lines, or before undertaking construction, fencing, or other projects that depend on exact measurements, consult a licensed surveyor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LandApp free to use for measuring areas and distances?
Yes. LandApp's measurement tool, including both area and distance measurement, is free to use on the LandApp mobile app, with no subscription required.
What is the best app for measuring areas and distances?
A good app for measuring areas and distances should let you measure directly on an accurate, up-to-date map, support both area and line measurements, and offer both imperial and metric units. LandApp provides all of this for free, alongside parcel boundaries and property data layers like soil, flood zone, and wetland maps for added context.
Can I measure land area without a professional survey?
Yes, mapping apps can provide a reliable estimate of land area using parcel and imagery data, which is useful for planning, listings, and due diligence. However, for legally binding boundaries or projects requiring exact measurements, a licensed land survey is still recommended.
What units can I use to measure areas and distances on LandApp?
LandApp lets you choose between imperial and metric units before taking a measurement, so you can view distances in feet or meters and areas in acres, square feet, or their metric equivalents, depending on your selection.
Do I need LandApp Pro to measure areas and distances?
No. Basic area and distance measurement with LandApp's ruler tool is free. LandApp Pro is only needed for advanced features like the My Maps tool, which allows you to draw, save, export, and upload unlimited custom maps.
Can I measure distances and areas on both mobile and desktop?
LandApp's distance and area measurement tool (ruler icon) is available on our free mobile app only. With LandApp Pro on desktop, you can use the My Maps tool for measuring, drawing, and exporting custom maps.
