How to Use the Ruler Tool

Where to Find It

1. Go to the right toolbar in PVFARM.

2. Click the ruler icon (R)  — this activates the measurement mode.

 Key Features

• 2D Orthographic View: Automatically switches to a flat view for more accurate measurements.

  

• Snapping: The tool snaps to object points like tracker corners, midpoints, and endpoints.

• Model Explorer Integration: Measurements show up in the Model Explorer and can be:

  • Renamed

  • Deleted

  • Toggled on/off

How to Use It

1. Click the 2D icon and set to Flat2D (Numpad5)

2. Click the ruler icon to activate the tool.

3. Click your starting point on the object.

4. (Optional) Hold Shift to lock movement along the X or Y axis — helpful for perfectly horizontal or vertical measurements.

5. Click your ending point — the distance will be displayed.

6. You can measure multiple distances. Each one appears as a separate line in the scene and in the Model Explorer.

   

Managing Measurement Objects

• To delete a measurement:

  • Open the Model Explorer

  • Right-click the measurement and select Delete

• To hide/show:

  • Toggle visibility from the Model Explorer with the eye icon   

 Use Cases

• Measure row spacing between trackers

• Check road width

• Confirm block gaps for civil or permitting reviews

• Ensure proper alignment and symmetry in custom layouts