You can measure distances and areas in ArcReader. The ArcReader Measure tool allows you to see how far apart two places are, plot a route and check the distance, or measure the area of an object.

Click the Measure tool on the Data toolbar. The Measure Info dialog box will appear. By default, the measure tool will measure distances. If you wish to measure areas or features, you may select the appropriate button on the Measure Info dialog box.

You can also snap the measure tool to features, accumulate a running total of a series of measurements, and choose the units in which the measurements will be reported.