How is travel distance to an exit measured in a means of egress?

Travel distance to an exit is measured along the natural path of travel because this approach reflects how occupants would realistically navigate through a space to reach safety. The centerline measurement accounts for the most direct and accessible route that individuals would take, considering obstacles, furniture, and other elements that might affect movement.

This method ensures that safety assessments accurately represent the experience of occupants during an emergency evacuation scenario. By measuring along the centerline of the path, designers can identify potential hazards or inefficiencies in the egress layout and make necessary modifications to improve safety and accessibility.

In contrast, measuring along walls, directly through exits, or from door to window does not provide a true representation of the way people will actually move in an egress situation, therefore failing to ensure an accurate assessment of the safety and efficiency of the means of egress.