Jun 11, 2026
How to Read Topo Maps: UTM Grids and Coordinate References
Topographic maps are covered in a coordinate grid — but reading it takes practice. This guide explains how UTM grid lines work and how to pinpoint a location on a topo map.
Coordinate Conversion Articles
In-depth guides on GPS formats, conversion methods, and field use by surveyors, pilots, and GIS professionals.
Jun 3, 2026
Marine Navigation: How Sailors Use GPS Coordinates
Maritime GPS navigation has its own conventions — DDM, chart plotters, and NMEA sentences. Here's how sailors work with coordinates at sea.
May 27, 2026
Geocaching with GPS: Understanding Coordinate Formats
Geocaching has its own coordinate conventions — and knowing them prevents frustration in the field. Here's everything a geocacher needs to know about GPS formats.
May 20, 2026
GIS Professionals Guide to Coordinate Systems and Formats
For GIS professionals, coordinate systems are foundational knowledge. This guide covers format selection, datum considerations, and practical tools for multi-format workflows.
May 12, 2026
How Emergency Services Use GPS Coordinates
In an emergency, a GPS coordinate can save your life. Here's how 911 dispatch, search and rescue, and air ambulance services use location data — and what you should know.
May 5, 2026
GPS Coordinates for Hikers: Topo Maps, Garmin, and AllTrails
Hiking with GPS requires understanding at least two coordinate formats: the one on your topo map and the one your device uses. Here's how they fit together.
Apr 27, 2026
How Surveyors Use Coordinates: UTM, DMS, and Legal Descriptions
Professional land surveyors work with coordinate systems every day. This guide covers which formats they use, why, and how surveyors translate between the field and the office.
Apr 20, 2026
The Complete Guide to Finding Coordinates for Any Location
Need to find the GPS coordinates of a specific place? Here are every method — from Google Maps to dedicated apps to official government sources.
Apr 13, 2026
GPS Coordinate Precision: How Many Decimal Places Do You Need?
More decimal places means more precision — but how many do you actually need? The answer depends entirely on your use case.
Apr 5, 2026
What Are GPS Coordinates? A Beginner's Complete Guide
GPS coordinates are a pair of numbers that pinpoint any location on Earth. This guide explains exactly what they mean, why there are multiple formats, and how to use them.
Mar 28, 2026
Understanding Decimal Degrees: The Universal Coordinate Format
Decimal Degrees is the simplest and most widely used GPS coordinate format. Here's why it became the standard for the web, APIs, and mapping software.
Mar 19, 2026
DMS Coordinates Explained: How to Read Degrees, Minutes, Seconds
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds is the traditional geographic coordinate format still used on paper maps, in legal descriptions, and on many GPS devices. Here's exactly how to read it.