[jhallenworld]

So here is my figure drawing exercise: draw a ruler. This is easy to do with xfig. On many tools, it's hopeless, open office draw comes to mind.

[s1291]

It is much easier to draw in Inkscape. As an example, you can draw a curve and add the "Ruler" Live Path Effect.

[jhallenworld]

Even without that effect it's easy with Inkscape. It has working grid, snap to grid and text alignments.

[s1291]

That won't be useful for arbitrary curves (non straight lines)

[jhallenworld]

Agreed, but just try even a linear ruler in most drawing tools to see how hopeless they are.