Techniques are provided for implementing a system for determining the range to a target object and orienting a map. In implementations, GPS data is used to determine the location of the system and an approximate distance from that location to the target. Based on the approximate distance, one or more parameters of operation of the system may be set. Modes of operation may be entered to further adjust parameters of operation. An optical pulse may then be projected at the target and its reflections collected and analyzed to calculate a distance measurement. A visual display may be adjusted based on the calculated distance estimate to the target.