Reading GPS coordinates can seem confusing at first glance because there are different ways to write them. However, once you know the two main formats, it becomes very simple.
The Two Main Formats
1. Decimal Degrees (DD)
This is the standard format used by Google Maps and smartphones. It uses simple decimals.
Format: 40.6892, -74.0445
How to read it: The first number is Latitude. Positive means North, Negative means South. The second number is Longitude. Positive means East, Negative means West.
How to read it: The first number is Latitude. Positive means North, Negative means South. The second number is Longitude. Positive means East, Negative means West.
2. Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (DMS)
This is the traditional format often seen in movies or on old nautical maps. It breaks a degree down like a clock.
Format: 40° 41' 21.1" N, 74° 2' 40.2" W
How to read it: 40 Degrees, 41 Minutes, 21.1 Seconds North. 74 Degrees, 2 Minutes, 40.2 Seconds West.
How to read it: 40 Degrees, 41 Minutes, 21.1 Seconds North. 74 Degrees, 2 Minutes, 40.2 Seconds West.
How to Read Coordinates on Google Maps
- Open Google Maps on your computer.
- Right-click on any spot on the map.
- The numbers at the top of the pop-up menu are your GPS coordinates in Decimal Degrees.
- Clicking those numbers will automatically copy them to your clipboard.