Finding the exact latitude and longitude for any location is faster and more reliable using Google Maps. This guide shows how to retrieve geographical coordinates on both desktop browsers and mobile devices.
With the coordinates in hand, you can use them in maps, routing tools, data spreadsheets, or location-based projects without manual guesswork.
| Method | Device | Steps | Coordinates Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-click | Desktop | Right-click the exact location, choose What's here, copy the numbers | Decimal degrees (DD) |
| Long-press | Mobile | Press and hold the location, move the pin, read the bottom card | Decimal degrees (DD) |
| Share link | Desktop & Mobile | Open place, tap Share, copy link, extract coordinates from query string | Decimal degrees (DD) |
| Drop pin | Mobile | Drop a pin on an address or crossroad, tap info card, copy coordinates | Decimal degrees (DD) |
Precise Location Selection on the Map
Accuracy starts with how you choose a location in Google Maps. On desktop, a simple right-click on the map background drops a blue pin and instantly shows coordinates in the search bar as "What's here." On Android and iOS, a long-press does the same job, anchoring the pin so you can drag it slightly for intersections or building entrances.
Choosing precise points matters when you need the coordinates for delivery addresses, trailheads, or property corners. Take a moment to align the pin with the exact doorway, kiosk, or landmark, because small offsets can shift latitude and longitude by several meters in dense urban areas.
Once the pin is in place, the coordinates appear at the top of the info card or in the What's here panel. Confirm that the numbers match your target location before copying them into notes, spreadsheets, or configuration files.
Copying and Verifying Coordinates
How to copy coordinates on desktop
On desktop, after you see "What's here," click the coordinates to select them, then right-click and copy or use Ctrl+C/Cmd+C. The default format is decimal degrees, which is ideal for most APIs and GPS devices.
How to copy coordinates on mobile
On mobile, drop the pin and scroll up the card at the bottom of the screen. Tap the latitude and longitude line to select and copy. If the option is not visible, use the Share button on the place details card and extract the coordinates from the link data instead.
Coordinate Formats and Conversions
Google Maps primarily displays decimal degrees, but you may need DMS or degrees-minutes-seconds for certain forms or printed maps. You can convert using online tools or built-in functions in spreadsheet software, keeping in mind that precision beyond six decimal places is usually unnecessary for everyday mapping.
Negative latitude values indicate south, and negative longitude values indicate west. Always check the sign and direction label when you paste coordinates into a new system, because missing a negative sign can place a location on the opposite side of the globe.
Advanced Methods and Automation
Using shareable links to extract coordinates
On both desktop and mobile, you can open the share menu for a place and copy a link. The link contains encoded parameters that include the coordinates, which you can manually parse or use with scripts to batch process multiple locations.
Batch workflows and data integration
For larger projects, consider exporting a list of addresses to a spreadsheet and using Google Apps Script or a third-party geocoding service to retrieve coordinates programmatically. This approach reduces repetitive manual work and keeps your data synchronized with address updates.
Best Practices for Using Coordinates
- Always verify the pin is aligned with the exact feature you intend to reference before copying.
- Use decimal degrees for digital workflows and DMS for forms that require degrees, minutes, and seconds.
- Check the sign of longitude and latitude values to avoid placing points in the wrong hemisphere.
- Keep a small margin when approximating locations in dense urban environments where buildings may shift true positions.
- Document the method and timestamp if coordinates are used for audits, data collection, or field work.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I get coordinates for a place that does not have a exact address?
Use the map to drop a pin at the nearest visible point of interest, such as a trailhead, park entrance, or building centroid, then copy the latitude and longitude from the info card.
Can I get coordinates for a saved place in Google Maps lists?
Open your list, tap the place, and either use the What's here method on desktop or the share menu on mobile to retrieve the coordinates from the map card or link.
Why do the coordinates change slightly when I move the pin?
Each point on the map represents a unique geographic coordinate, so dragging the pin even a short distance changes the latitude and longitude values, especially near dense clusters of roads or buildings.
Are the coordinates from Google Maps accurate enough for surveying?
For general navigation and planning, Google Maps coordinates are sufficiently accurate, but professional surveying may require corrections from higher-grade GNSS sources or field measurements.