Ruler tool in OG?

Is there a way to measure objects in OG? I have various objects I need to measure and their direction isn’t always horizontal or vertical. I created a line with cross-bars on it to drag around and measure but thought there has to be a better way.

For instance, in one view (top) I have an object so wide. I want to represent in another view (side or front) I want to reprent the same object but it’s not as simple as copying/duplicating the object.

How do I do this?