With a paper

Step 1:
Using a paper to measure non-linear distances is fairly simple. All you need to do is to place the paper against the feature you wish to measure and make a mark when it turns off significantly.

In the photograph example, we will measure the distance from the settlement, Rehema. The corner of the paper is placed at the start point. A line is marked on the paper to represent the turn.

Step 2:
You then adjust the paper so that it follows the road. You put the point where you have marked initially at the start and do the same thing as you did in Step 1, mark out the point where the feature turns off significantly.

Now the paper is aligned to the feature and another mark is drawn further down the line at the turn.

You continue doing this until you reach the end point.

You can then tally the distance by using the map scale.

The total distance is taken from the final notch on the paper and in this example, the total non-linear road distance is around 2.2km.

With a String

Using a string should give you a more accurate result for measuring a non-linear distance as compared to with a paper. This is because the string can more accurately measure bends and turns.

Step 1:
Take the string and place it at the start point.

In the picture example, the string is aligned from Rehema along the road to the settlement by the sea. A black mark is drawn to indicate the end point.

Step 2:
Move the string along the feature following it closely. Do this until you reach the end. Take the string to the map scale and you will get the non-linear distance of the feature.

Note:
The straight line distance on a map may not be accurately reflected on the ground. This is because elevation is not taken into consideration when you employ any of the above methods. Just think about it, would walking 1000 meters on a completely flat ground be the same as walking 1000 meters with an elevation increase of 500 meters.

The measured distance is read to be around 2.1km.