Draw Straight Lines

Hidden Feature to Draw Straight Lines

Works in all versions of TOPO!

Ever tried to draw a straight line with the route tool? If you have I bet you thought to yourself that it is impossible - guess again. Drawing straight lines with the route tool is a breeze with this hidden feature.

1. Open the route tool (looks like a pencil) and activate it by left clicking. You should now be drawing a line on the map by moving the mouse.

2. Now hold down the "SHIFT" key. You'll notice that the route tool turns into the compass/bearing tool! Simply move the cursor, using your mouse, to where you want your straight line to end and release the "SHIFT" key... presto a straight line in the midst of a route.

With this little work around you may find yourself using the shift key to trace most routes with more accuracy then simply using the mouse and a steady hand.

As a bonus tip: Notice that when you press the "SHIFT" key that the bottom menu will display in realtime the heading and distance from the last point you stopped drawing. For someone interested in sailing, orienteering, or other activities that require you to follow a pattern of distance and degrees - this can come in real handy!

Enjoy - Woodford