1. A system for measuring the true dimensions and orientation of objects in a two dimensional image, comprised of: radiographic imaging equipment; a display; processing circuitry; a ruler comprising at least one set of features each comprised of two or more markers that are identifiable in said image and having a known spatial relationship between them, and a software package comprising programs that allow extension of sad ruler and other objects in sad two dimensional image beyond their physical dimensions or shape; characterized in that said software package comprises programs that allow said processing circuitry to recognize features of said ruler on a radiographic image captured by said radiographic imaging equipment and to use said features to create a virtual extension of said ruler and to draw the virtual extension of said ruler on said radiographic image as an overlay, thereby enabling a user to accurately measure objects that appear in said radiographic image.