Finding exact coordinates in Google Earth is useful for planning trips, documenting fieldwork, or sharing precise locations. This guide walks you through several reliable methods to get latitude and longitude quickly.
Whether you use the desktop app or the mobile app, Google Earth makes it straightforward to read coordinates and mark any point on the map.
| Method | Platform | Steps Overview | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-click or tap-hold | Desktop & Mobile | Click location, choose Copy coordinates | Quick one-off place marking |
| Coordinate display panel | Desktop | Open View > Show Latitude/Longitude | Real-time readout while navigating |
| Save place with coordinates | Desktop & Mobile | Create placemark, copy values from description | Storing and sharing labeled points |
| GPS import/export | Desktop | Import GPX/KML, export coordinates list | Working with tracklogs or survey data |
Enable Coordinate Display on Desktop
Turn on the coordinate readout so you can see latitude and longitude update as you move the view.
Open the View Menu
On the desktop app, click the top menu and choose View, then find Show Latitude/Longitude to enable the panel.
Use the Floating Panel
The panel shows current center coordinates in degrees, with the format and precision you set in the Options.
Copy Coordinates with a Right-Click
The fastest way to grab coordinates for any point is to right-click and let Google Earth prepare the format for you.
Right-Click the Exact Location
Position the view, right-click the spot, and choose Copy Coordinates to place a standard Lat Lon pair on your clipboard.
Paste Where You Need It
You can paste the result into notes, messages, or spreadsheets, keeping the original DMS or switching to Decimal format.
Save a Placemark with Coordinates
Creating a placemark locks the location and stores the coordinates so you can return or share them easily.
Add a New Placemark
Click Add Placemark, place the pin, then edit the name. The coordinates appear in the description box in your chosen format.
Export the Placemark Data
Save the KML file or copy the coordinates from the description to use them in other tools.
Mobile App Location Reading
The Google Earth mobile app offers similar core features, though some options are hidden in the navigation menu.
Tap and Hold to Drop a Pin
Long-press anywhere on the map to drop a marker, and the coordinates panel at the bottom shows the current values.
Copy or Save the Point
Tap the marker, then use Copy Coordinates or Save to your places for later reference and sharing.
Optimize Your Workflow with Coordinates
Use these methods to speed up location handling and reduce errors when sharing or recording places.
- Enable the coordinate display panel for real-time feedback while navigating
- Right-click to copy coordinates in your preferred format
- Save important points as placemarks with descriptive names
- Use mobile pin and copy for fast field data capture
- Export KML for backup or integration with other GIS tools
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I change the coordinate format to Decimal Degrees on desktop?
Open Options under the Tools menu, go to 3D View, and set the Show Lat/Long format to Decimal degrees.
Can I copy coordinates directly from the mobile app?
Yes, tap and hold to drop a pin on the map, then choose Copy Coordinates from the marker card.
Will importing a GPX file show the coordinates in the placemarks?
Yes, after importing a GPX file, each track point becomes a placemark with latitude and longitude listed in the description.
Can I export all placemark coordinates as a CSV file from Google Earth?
Google Earth does not export a CSV directly, but you can save as KML and convert the file to CSV using online tools or a spreadsheet.