When project documents specify distances, how should those distances be reported?

Distances in project documents are typically reported "along roads" to provide a more practical and accurate representation of how distance impacts accessibility and travel time. This approach considers the actual paths that individuals would take when navigating to or from a location, which is critical in planning for utilities, services, and access routes.

Using "as the crow flies" or "direct lines" does not account for the reality of varying terrains, obstacles, and the way roads are structured, which can significantly affect travel distance and time. "Through air distance" is similarly not practical, as it implies a straight-line measurement without consideration for real-world travel conditions. Therefore, specifying distances along roads is the most effective way to communicate relevant distances in a context that reflects actual usage scenarios.