Android apps/Tools for measuring distance
There’s a flood of Android apps claiming to measure distance, but the real distinction is how they measure: GPS-based, pedometer (step count), camera-based (AR), or map-drawing. Each has its tradeoffs.
Here’s a layered breakdown of the best types depending on your use case and why each might be preferable:
1. GPS-Based Distance Apps (Best for long outdoor walks, runs, hikes)
These rely on your phone’s GPS and are ideal for measuring actual path distance, even over irregular terrain.
Top picks:
a. Geo Measure Area Calculator
– Good for measuring both linear distances and areas by placing points on a satellite map.
– Best for land measurements, walking the perimeter of a property, or measuring a hedge route.
– Works offline if satellite maps are preloaded.
b. Measure Map / Planimeter / GPS Fields Area Measure
– These allow walking routes, drawing shapes, and snapping GPS points manually or automatically.
– Widely used by surveyors and drone pilots.
– Very accurate if you stay still while GPS locks. Useful in gardens or agricultural layouts.
c. Strava / Komoot / Runkeeper
– Originally built for fitness, but effectively log precise distance and elevation.
– Not ideal for short distances (under 50m) due to GPS jitter.
– Great for recon walks: “how far from pool house to hedge?” etc.
2. Pedometer-Based Distance Estimators (For walking where GPS fails—indoors or under heavy trees)
These count steps via accelerometer and multiply by your calibrated stride.
a. Pacer Pedometer or StepsApp
– Simple step counters with stride-based distance.
– Accuracy depends heavily on your stride calibration.
– Best for environments where GPS is jammed or unreliable.
You can use this in conjunction with your earlier paces—just set your stride manually to your calibrated pace length (say, 1.52m).
3. Augmented Reality (AR) Camera-Based Apps (Best for very short distances or quick spot-checks)
These use your phone’s camera + motion sensors to estimate linear distances in your field of view.
a. Google Measure (if still available for your phone)
– Works surprisingly well for rough length estimation within 10m.
– Use it to measure cable runs, furniture spacing, or wall heights.
– Not very accurate over long distances or outside flat planes.
b. AR Ruler App or Measure Tools (third-party)
– More flexible, but often less stable than Google’s own.
– Good for visualizing rough layout but not a substitute for pacing or GPS.
4. Map Drawing Apps (When you don’t want to physically walk)
These let you drop points on a satellite map and calculate distance between them.
a. Maps Measure
– Lightweight, precise tool to manually trace distances.
– Good when scouting cable layouts or measuring pool-to-house lines.
– Works offline once map tiles are cached.
Summary
If you're measuring a hedge route or cable path:
Use Geo Measure or GPS Fields Area Measure if you’re walking the path.
Use Maps Measure if you're just sketching it on satellite imagery.
Use Google Measure or AR Ruler only for short-range tasks (inside a room, short fence).
Use Pacer Pedometer if you’ve calibrated your stride and want to measure without GPS.
Each works best in a different domain: field, footpath, floorboard, or fingerspan. You’ll end up picking 2–3 depending on context—one visual, one walking, one map.
The RockSeed laser distance meter—often branded as Mileseey by RockSeed—is a compact, affordable tool that offers solid performance for both DIY and light professional use. Its 50-meter (165 ft) range and ±2mm accuracy make it suitable for measuring distances like cable runs, room dimensions, or garden layouts.(testmeasureinspect.com, thebattery.shop)
Key Features:
Measurement Range: 0.05 to 50 meters (165 ft)
Accuracy: ±2mm (approximately 1/16 inch)
Measurement Modes: Distance, area, volume, Pythagorean (indirect height), continuous measurement, addition and subtraction
Display: Large, backlit LCD for visibility in various lighting conditions
Units: Switchable between meters, inches, feet, and feet+inches
Additional Features: Dual bubble levels for improved alignment, IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, memory storage for up to 20 measurements, auto shut-off to conserve battery life(thebattery.shop, 100stops.co.uk, testmeasureinspect.com, amazon.co.uk, propertyroad.co.uk)
Use Cases:
This device is particularly useful for tasks where traditional tape measures are cumbersome or impractical. For instance, measuring the distance from a pool house to a main structure, or along a hedge line, can be done quickly and with reasonable accuracy. The dual bubble levels aid in maintaining straight lines, enhancing measurement precision.(amazon.co.uk)
Considerations:
Surface Reflectivity: Highly reflective or glossy surfaces may affect measurement accuracy.
Outdoor Use: While the device is rated for outdoor use, bright sunlight can make the laser dot difficult to see, potentially impacting usability.
Learning Curve: Users unfamiliar with laser measuring tools may require some time to become proficient with all features.(bestviewsreviews.com, propertyroad.co.uk)
Conclusion:
The RockSeed laser distance meter offers a balance of functionality and affordability. Its range and accuracy are sufficient for most home and light professional applications. However, for environments with challenging lighting conditions or where higher precision is required, users might consider more advanced models.(diversenation.co.uk)