ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments

1. Measuring Tape

A metal measuring tape is an essential tool for a successful survey because many of the accessibility requirements concern the width, height, or depth of various features.

A measuring tape will make a good surveying instrument if it has the following characteristics: it is metal, which is important for durability; it is 25- to 50-feet long, which is necessary because surveyors will often have to measure long distances; and it is easy to read, which will help ensure that the surveyors report accurate data. You will generally not need to measure dimensions in increments of less than ¼ inch.