How to Find Coordinates on Google Maps: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s world, most places—be it shops, restaurants, or parks—are easily found online, making it simple to locate and share these locations.

However, there are times when you need to pinpoint an exact spot that isn’t widely known or recorded on the internet.

Whether it’s a hidden trail, a specific landmark, or a meeting point off the beaten path, this is where knowing the precise map coordinates becomes invaluable.

Sharing these exact coordinates ensures that you and others can find the location without any confusion.

Yet, not many people are familiar with how to find or track the exact coordinates of a place. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll walk you through the steps to easily find coordinates on Google Maps, whether you’re using a mobile device or a computer, so you can navigate and share locations with precision.

Understanding Coordinates

What Are Coordinates?

Coordinates are like a GPS system for any point on Earth. They’re made up of two numbers: latitude and longitude.

Latitude tells you how far north or how many degrees due south a place is from the equator, and longitude shows how far east or west it is from the Prime Meridian, which is basically an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Think of it this way: latitude and longitude coordinates work together to give every spot on the planet its own unique ‘address.’

For example, the coordinates for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) in Kuala Lumpur are approximately 3.158347459004189, 101.71214449315794. These coordinates pinpoint KLCC’s exact location on the map, making it easy to find no matter where you are.

This is super handy when you need to pinpoint a location with precision—whether you’re out hiking in the wilderness, hunting for a geocache, or sharing an exact spot with friends when regular addresses just won’t cut it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Longitude and Latitude on Google Map

How to Find Coordinates Using Google Maps App on Mobile

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android device.

Step 2: Enter the location in the search bar, or press and hold on the map to drop a pin at your desired location.

Step 3: Scroll down to see the coordinates displayed.

Step 4: Tap the coordinates to copy them to your phone’s clipboard.

Step 5: Paste the coordinates into the search bar at the top to view the current location again or share it.

How to Find Coordinates Using Your Computer

Step 1: Open your web browser and navigate to the Google Maps website.

Step 2: Type in the location you want the coordinates for in the search bar.

Step 3: Right-click on the red location pin (the balloon icon) to open the context menu.

Step 4: Select the coordinate shown as the first item from the menu. Once you’ve clicked on it, the coordinates will then be copied onto your clipboard.

Tips for Accuracy

When finding coordinates on Google Maps, precision is key, especially if you need to mark an exact location such as a specific point on a trail or a particular building in a large complex.

Tips #1: Always zoom in as much as possible before dropping a pin. This allows you to place the pin more accurately and avoid marking a nearby, but incorrect, location.

Tips #2: Make sure to cross-check the coordinates in case of situations where exact coordinates are crucial. You can do this by using different methods or devices to verify the coordinates.

For example, after finding the coordinates, you could compare them with coordinates obtained from a GPS device or another mapping tool.

Cross-checking ensures that there are no errors in the coordinates, which is particularly important in high-stakes situations where accuracy is paramount.

Wrap-Up: Get Precise Latitude and longitude Coordinates with Google Maps

Now that you know how to find coordinates, why not give it a try? Whether you’re planning your next adventure, helping someone find a hidden spot, or just exploring new places, using coordinates can make your experience even better.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends, family, or anyone else who might benefit from it. Let’s help everyone navigate the world more accurately with Google Maps!