Hello, several times I saw thast people base their distance data (when making beamshots etc) on google maps.
I have used once, one distance calculator in the internet (I forgot wixh address), but I think it gives more meters than it should.
Does someone know some more accurate calculator etc, what do yxou guys use for these purposes… ?
Google Earth, just use the ruler tool.
Thanx, I tried it and its same as an online calculator (probably based on google earth itself).
I will presume that it is accurate (but I doubt, as always 
).
I have serius intent to make flashlight throw testing ground outside my house, to set some markers at various distances. But it would have to be lots of markers
Any idea what would be cheapest thing for markers?
And in what colour they should be? White or some less reflective colour?
If you want accurate, use a cloth tape reel. Anything based on GPS or measuring distance off a tiny PC screen will have +/- error. Little orange safety cones would work well for marking distance. White or anything reflective exaggerates throw distance, not brightness.
I would rather make does myself because shipment is too expensive for me.
But I really wonder should I make it from white paper (these flags) or, for example, from cardboard.
For most representative resultrs and conclusions.
Im somehow inclined that cardboard would be better.
I don't know about in switzerland but in the US any hardware store will sell those flags.
Print the google map area of interest at a certain scale. Use a ruler for measuring on paper and multiply by the scale.
I use apps based on google maps that measures between any two desired points. Knowing gps’s can be off a bit, I always make sure I’m doing the testing in an area with lots distinguishable trees or landmarks surrounding it. Between those landmarks and the gps, you can get pretty accurate. Good enough anyway for testing like I often do in 100-600 yard ranges. I’m confident I’m within 10ft and to me when it’s the above mentioned distances, that’s plenty close enough for me.
I have made a fluorescent stand with reflectors that I have my meter mounted on. I position it at each test point and basically use the highest peak reading within about 5 seconds of shooting the light being tested. As long as all the testing is done consistent it should be fine.
If you doubt the accuracy of the ruller tool, measure any professional football field. You will see that the measurements are dead nuts on! I use the ruler tool all the time for all kinds of purposes. I am about to use it right now for the outside measurements of a house I looked at last week.