What is the simplest way to measure distance in a straight line on a map?

Using a ruler is the simplest way to measure distance in a straight line on a map. This method provides a direct and precise measurement, allowing you to align the ruler with the specific path or line you wish to measure. By placing the ruler on the map, you can take an exact reading of the distance, which can then be converted using the map's scale to get real-world measurements.

This method reduces the potential for error that may occur with other techniques. Visual estimation, while useful in some contexts, does not offer the accuracy needed for precise measurements. The scale is a reliable tool as well, but it typically requires additional calculations to interpret the distance based on the scale ratio. Counting steps on the ground provides no direct correlation to the distance shown on the map unless you go through a conversion process based on stride length, which can introduce inaccuracies. Therefore, using a ruler stands out as the most straightforward and accurate technique for measuring distances on a map.