That's an interesting idea. It could certainly see use as an alternate pilot tool for Gunners to use, rather than just everyone bringing a spyglass.
My one concern is that most combat, barring Mercury/Lumberjack builds, seems to take place rather close these days. It wouldn't be much use for a brawler (if you're too far to know how far you are, you're too far), except maybe for figuring out whether the enemy ship can shoot you while you move into cover...actually, that does sound useful.