How do i make a linear postion indicator?

Hi guys, im not a electronics whizz, im just a helicopter engineer needing a little help with a making a tool to monitor (display ) the linear movement of a actuator on an engine.
I have looked at a few sites but im really in the dark, and i thought maybe someone could give me a shove in right direction for a simple means of creating a circuit using linear travel sensor and a type of indicator that could show the travel of an actuator, so i can see when it is closed, moving and in full open position.
Its travel is only a couple of inches, we have previously done it with a crude micro switch’s but it doesnt show when its moving in between the max retracted and extended limits, we can only guess.
Temp is an issue as its in the engine bay of a turbine, but there is airflow, so wouldnt get over 175 deg, i was looking at an indicator that would be perfect, but unsure what or how to make it work with a sensor…
firgelli.com/products.php?id=47
Forgive me if im wasting your time and trying to cut corners, its just the reading involved is going to take some time and id like to get somthing ordered to start making it when im back in PNG working in the jungle as options for getting electronics in there wont happen till im back home again in 6 weeks.
Im sure this old dog can learn some new tricks, maybe somebody can offer some advice?

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated…

thanks for that, i will go have a look at what out there.

A linear potentiometer would be the easiest route. This is an analog sensor and gives different readings for different positions. At 175 degrees (Celsius?) most electronics would not work well, so you will need to find temperature resistant components. You would connect the potentiometer to a small microcontroller, and that microcontroller to whatever output you wanted (LCD for example).