I have a structure that "meanders" - it is composed of both straight sections and curved sections. I need a precise measurement of the entire structure, preferably as a dynamically linked dimension.

Measure>Continuous allows me to measure each of the segments (although it seems I might have to use piecewise linear approximations to the curves), but even that command doesn't allow me to sum them all up automatically.

Doesn't seem like this shouldn't be possible, but I can't figure out how to do it.  

The easiest way to get the length of a "meandering" line is to convert it to a Polyline and then open the properties window (or use the getarea command).

To convert a line into a Polyline:
1. Enter "editpolyline" into the command window
2. Select a line to start with
3. Enter "Y" to turn the line into a Polyline
4. Enter "J" to convert other line segments into a single Polyline
5. Select line segments to convert into a Polyline
6. End the command

To get the Length of a Polyline:
1. Select the polyline
2. Open the Properties window
or
1. Enter "getarea" into the command window
2. Enter "E" to specify the Polyline Entity
3. Select the polyline