Using GPS Coordinates to Find Locations

[Shel_B]

I'm asking more out of curiosity than need, but it's possible that someday I may need the information.

Where and how can I find the GPS coordinates of a given location, or, conversely, find the location given the coordinates? For example, let's say I'm stuck by the side of the road somewhere, how can I find the GPS coordinates of my location? How would I enter the coordinates into, and use with, my smartphone? Thanks!

 

[Skippy722]

If you’re using Apple Maps, just long press and it’ll drop a pin, then scroll up and it’ll show you the latitude and longitude. If you only have latitude and longitude you can type those into the search bar and it’ll pull it right up.

 

[Shel_B]

If you’re using Apple Maps, just long press and it’ll drop a pin, then scroll up and it’ll show you the latitude and longitude. If you only have latitude and longitude you can type those into the search bar and it’ll pull it right up.

I'm not using Apple Maps ... but your suggestion has allowed me to figure out how to do this with my Android phone and Google maps. I'll have to try it with other locations tomorrow when I travel away from home. Thanks!

 

[PandaBear]

I'm asking more out of curiosity than need, but it's possible that someday I may need the information.

Where and how can I find the GPS coordinates of a given location, or, conversely, find the location given the coordinates? For example, let's say I'm stuck by the side of the road somewhere, how can I find the GPS coordinates of my location? How would I enter the coordinates into, and use with, my smartphone? Thanks!

Assuming you are using Google Map or Apple's map, they typically show you as a pin on the street level and you sort of have to look at where you are in the map to figure out what to tell others. I do not think typical apps will give you latitude and longitude coordinates and it would be pretty useless anyways without knowing the street and numbers.

I know the one on Apple map is pretty bad and send me to the wrong places a lot in the past. This is how Scott Forstall got fired.

 

[Shel_B]

Assuming you are using Google Map or Apple's map, they typically show you as a pin on the street level and you sort of have to look at where you are in the map to figure out what to tell others. I do not think typical apps will give you latitude and longitude coordinates and it would be pretty useless anyways without knowing the street and numbers.

I know the one on Apple map is pretty bad and send me to the wrong places a lot in the past. This is how Scott Forstall got fired.

I don't know who Scott Forstall is.

I'm not talking about where there are streets and addresses, but if I'm on some remote highway or backroad and need help. As an example, there's an off-road rescue show in which the tow guy goes out with GPS coordinates and finds the stranded driver. How does the stranded driver determine the coordinates and then send them to the rescuer?

 

[PandaBear]

I don't know who Scott Forstall is.

I'm not talking about where there are streets and addresses, but if I'm on some remote highway or backroad and need help. As an example, there's an off-road rescue show in which the tow guy goes out with GPS coordinates and finds the stranded driver. How does the stranded driver determine the coordinates and then send them to the rescuer?

Their apps have the coordinates in latitude and longitude, and maybe height above sea level too, they would likely map that back to a human readable form on the map. The key is the map has to be accurate. I think civilian GPS has around 50 meter or so accuracy. Just in case you are not aware, GPS uses the time signal from various satellite and cell towers to calculate (by geometry) where you are compare to their location (they do their calculation based on the same thing from other ground based references, from say the US military).

Scott was the VP / SVP in Apple who refused to apologize to the customers when people complains that their map sucks compare to Google, so Tim Cook has to apologize to the customers himself, and fire Scott.

 

[terry274]

With Android, send a text message to yourself. Click the +, them choose l location. You will then get a text with the coordinates.

 

[Duffyjr]

I don't think you need GPS with Google maps, it looks like you can send some one a link that will show them where you are. I've never used it but have read about it because I have a wife that gets lost easy.

https://support.google.com/maps/answer/7326816?co=GENIE.Platform=Android&oco=1

 

[terry274]

Ok, I just tried it and I did not get the coordinates. I was sure I had done this in the past and it worked.

 

[MNgopher]

On android you can send someone the location of a dropped pin like described above. It will send the recipient your location with address (if there is one) or Lat and Long.

Alternatively, when you drop a pin, the lat and long show up in the search bar of google maps.

There are other methods, but those are the simplest ones.

As to accuracy, the GPS in your phone with no assistance is generally within a roughly 20 foot radius of the actual location. Being connected to the cell network and enabling better location will narrow that down. We use GPS in my line of work that works down to survey grade measurements.

Note that the lvel of accuracy can be greatly affected by obstructions - buildings, bridges, trees, etc... It assumes no blockages and a full satellite spread (which is not always the case, as high level GPS users know).

If you can't find a person or car within a 20 foot radius, well, I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Shel_B]

On android you can send someone the location of a dropped pin like described above. It will send the recipient your location with address (if there is one) or Lat and Long.

Alternatively, when you drop a pin, the lat and long show up in the search bar of google maps.

There are other methods, but those are the simplest ones.

As to accuracy, the GPS in your phone with no assistance is generally within a roughly 20 foot radius of the actual location. Being connected to the cell network and enabling better location will narrow that down. We use GPS in my line of work that works down to survey grade measurements.

Note that the lvel of accuracy can be greatly affected by obstructions - buildings, bridges, trees, etc... It assumes no blockages and a full satellite spread (which is not always the case, as high level GPS users know).

If you can't find a person or car within a 20 foot radius, well, I don't know what to tell you.

Thanks so much. Discovered that late last night. Will try it in a remote location in a day or two.