Easy Method to Finding Coordinates

Here is a quick and easy way to find geographical coordinates when needed. Sometimes you may be given a task to find the location of specific coordinates (ie. -79.387014, 43.642768), or determine the specific coordinates to a certain location (ie. coordinates of Mt Everest).

Here are a few easy steps using my favorite, Google Maps (because it is free!) to find the coordinates (in decimal degrees) of a specific location.

1. Find a location you are interested in using Google Maps. I have chosen the Empire State Building.

2. Right click on your desired location and click "What's here?"

3. Check the Google search bar and your coordinates will be displayed. NOTE: The coordinates are displayed in opposite order. 40.748403, -73.985549 should be read -73.985549, 40.748403. This is read as -73.985549 west, 40.748403 north. Obviously if the latter is negative, then it is south, and the former is east when positive. It is read as longitude, latitude, but Google maps read as opposite.

Now if you would like to find where specific coordinates are, just place the coordinates in the search bar shown above. Remember, place North/South coordinate first, and then East/West.