I don't know much of the imperial system, but since the metric system only has one unit of length (the metre) it would presumably be easiest to convert that dir

I don't know much of the imperial system, but since the metric system only has one unit of length (the metre) it would presumably be easiest to convert that directly into imperial, rather than choosing arbitrary multiples (e.g. 1000m). In fact, the metre coincides quite nicely with 1 yard (or 1.1 yards if you want more precision; which is still "just ones"). That seems much easier to remember than, say, 1610 metres/mile, or 0.62 miles/1000m. Once you're in imperial you can presumably use the various conversion rules to get feet, miles, inches, furlongs, etc.