Google Earth also has a (Tools > Ruler) measuring tool which makes it easy to determine the straight-line distance between points, e.g., between start and finish on a course.
I also use it to determine the elevations for points along a course. The elevation shows up in meters at the bottom of the screen as you move the mouse pointer along the course.
For drawing maps, I use a Mac with Freehand. It more functional and easier to use, but the down side is the $399 license fee.