What came to mind when I saw the tape measure was math and measuring buildings and other objects. Like how you would need a tape measure to measure a pool or possibly a city.

Picture From Herehttp://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/94784/94784,1231370004,4/stock-photo-man-construction-worker-holding-out-a-tape-measure-and-measuring-something-on-your-design-22928599.jpg