Get LAT (Latitude) and Long (Longitude) from Google Maps

Whether you are sharing a precise location, creating a map, setting up a GPS device, planning a trip, or working on a technical project, knowing the latitude (LAT) and longitude (LONG) of a location can be extremely useful. These coordinates provide an exact position on Earth, making it easier to identify places than using a standard street address.

Fortunately, Google Maps makes it simple to find geographic coordinates for almost any location. You can retrieve latitude and longitude information using a desktop browser or the Google Maps mobile app. The process takes only a few seconds and does not require any special tools or technical knowledge.

In this guide, you will learn how to get LAT and LONG from Google Maps step by step. The instructions are written for beginners, so even if you have never used coordinates before, you can easily follow along.

Table of Contents

Understanding Latitude and Longitude with Example

Latitude measures how far north or south a location is from the Earth’s equator. Latitude values range from 0° at the equator to 90° north or south.

Longitude measures how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian. Longitude values range from 0° to 180° east or west.

When combined, latitude and longitude create a unique coordinate pair that pinpoints an exact location anywhere in the world.

For example:

40.7128, -74.0060

In this coordinate pair:

40.7128 represents the latitude.

-74.0060 represents the longitude.

Google Maps typically displays coordinates in decimal format because it is easy to read, copy, and use in GPS applications.

How to Get LAT (Latitude) and Long (Longitude) from Google Maps?

To get latitude and longitude coordinates from Google Maps, open Google Maps and locate the desired place. On a computer, right-click the location and select What’s here? Google Maps will display the coordinates at the bottom of the screen. On a mobile device, touch and hold the location to drop a pin, then view the coordinates in the search box or location details section. You can then copy and share the coordinates as needed.

Step 1: Open Google Maps

The first step is accessing Google Maps on your preferred device.

If you are using a computer, open your web browser and visit Google Maps.

If you are using a smartphone or tablet, launch the Google Maps application installed on your device.

Once Google Maps opens, you will see a search bar at the top and an interactive map covering most of the screen. You can zoom in, zoom out, search for locations, and explore different areas of the world.

For beginners, it is helpful to become familiar with the Zoom controls and map navigation tools before proceeding. You can drag the map with your mouse or finger to move around and locate specific places.

Make sure you are connected to the internet because Google Maps requires an active connection to load maps and location data.

Step 2: Search for the Desired Location

After opening Google Maps, the next step is locating the place for which you want coordinates.

Click or tap the search bar at the top of the screen.

Enter the name of a city, business, landmark, street address, or any location you want to identify.

For example, you can search for:

A residential address
A tourist attraction
A park
A restaurant
A school
A business office

Once you enter the location name, press Enter or tap Search.

Google Maps will automatically move to the selected location and display a marker on the map.

If the place appears correctly, zoom in to get a more precise location. The closer you zoom, the more accurate the latitude and longitude coordinates will be.

This is particularly important when working with large areas such as parks, campuses, industrial zones, or neighborhoods.

Step 3: Right-Click the Location on a Computer

If you are using Google Maps on a desktop or laptop computer, finding coordinates is very straightforward.

Move your mouse pointer over the exact location you want to identify. Right-click the location on the map. A context menu will appear containing several options. Look for the option labeled What’s here? Click What’s here?

Google Maps will immediately place a small information card near the bottom of the screen.

This card contains location details, including the exact latitude and longitude coordinates.

The coordinates usually appear as a pair of numbers separated by a comma.

For example: 34.0522, -118.2437

These numbers represent the exact position you selected on the map.

If you need a highly accurate location, zoom in further and repeat the process to obtain more precise coordinates.

Step 4: Copy the Latitude and Longitude Coordinates

Once the coordinates are displayed, you can easily copy them. Click directly on the coordinate pair shown in the information card. Google Maps may open a larger information panel with additional location details.

Highlight the coordinates and copy them using your keyboard shortcut or copy option.

You can then paste them into:

GPS navigation systems
Mapping software
Spreadsheets
Technical documents
Location-sharing apps
Project reports
Web forms

Many users need coordinates for geographic analysis, drone mapping, construction planning, travel navigation, or outdoor activities. Copying coordinates directly from Google Maps ensures accuracy and saves time.

Always double-check the coordinate values before sharing them, especially if they will be used for navigation or professional purposes.

Step 5: Drop a Pin Using the Google Maps Mobile App

If you are using a smartphone or tablet, the process is slightly different.

Open the Google Maps app and navigate to the desired location. Instead of right-clicking, touch and hold the location on the map.

After a moment, a red pin will appear. This action is known as dropping a pin. The dropped pin tells Google Maps exactly which location you want to identify. A location card will appear at the bottom of the screen.

You can swipe up on the card to reveal more information about the selected location.

This method works on both Android and iPhone devices.

It is especially useful when identifying locations that do not have a formal address or business listing.

Step 6: View the Coordinates on Mobile Devices

After dropping a pin, Google Maps displays coordinate information.

Depending on your device and app version, the coordinates may appear:

In the search bar
Inside the location details card
Within the information panel
Near the top of the screen

Look carefully for two decimal numbers separated by a comma. These values represent the latitude and longitude.

Tap the coordinates if you want to copy them.

You can then paste them into another app or share them with other people.

Because app layouts occasionally change with updates, the exact location of the coordinates may vary slightly. However, the coordinates remain accessible whenever a pin is dropped.

Use Coordinates for Navigation and Sharing

Once you have the coordinates, you can use them in several ways.

Many navigation apps support coordinate-based searching. Instead of entering an address, you can paste latitude and longitude values directly into the search field.

This can be useful when:

Navigating to remote areas
Finding construction sites
Locating campsites
Sharing exact meeting points
Planning outdoor adventures
Recording survey locations

Coordinates are often more precise than addresses, particularly in rural regions where street names may be missing or inconsistent.

Sharing coordinates also reduces confusion because they identify one exact point rather than a general area.

Verify the Accuracy of the Coordinates

Before relying on coordinates, verify that they represent the intended location.

Zoom in closely and confirm the pin placement.

A small difference in pin placement can result in slightly different coordinates.

For example, coordinates for a parking lot may differ from coordinates for the building next to it.

If accuracy is important, zoom in to the maximum practical level and place the pin carefully.

This is especially important for:

Engineering projects
Surveying work
Drone operations
Property mapping
Emergency location sharing
Field research

Taking a few extra seconds to verify coordinates can prevent navigation errors later.

Where Latitude and Longitude Are Useful?

Latitude and longitude coordinates have many practical applications.

Travelers use them to locate destinations that lack formal addresses.

Delivery drivers may use coordinates to reach difficult-to-find locations.

Photographers often save coordinates to record where images were taken.

Outdoor enthusiasts use coordinates when hiking, camping, or exploring remote areas.

Engineers and surveyors rely on coordinates for site planning and mapping.

Technology professionals frequently use coordinates when working with geographic information systems, databases, and location-based applications.

Understanding how to obtain coordinates from Google Maps is, therefore, a valuable skill for both personal and professional use.

FAQs

What is the difference between latitude and longitude?

Latitude measures a location’s position north or south of the equator, while longitude measures its position east or west of the Prime Meridian. Together, they identify an exact location on Earth.

Can I get coordinates from Google Maps for free?

Yes. Google Maps allows users to view and copy latitude and longitude coordinates at no cost.

Why are my coordinates showing many decimal places?

Google Maps provides highly precise coordinates. Additional decimal places improve location accuracy and help identify exact positions.

Can I use coordinates instead of an address?

Yes. Most GPS and navigation applications accept latitude and longitude coordinates as search input.

How do I find coordinates on an iPhone?

Open Google Maps, touch and hold the desired location to drop a pin, then view the coordinates displayed in the location information panel.

How do I find coordinates on Android?

Open Google Maps, press and hold a location on the map, and check the coordinate information that appears after the pin is placed.

Can I share coordinates with someone else?

Yes. You can copy the latitude and longitude values and send them through email, text messages, messaging apps, or social media platforms.

Are Google Maps coordinates accurate?

Google Maps coordinates are generally very accurate for everyday navigation and location sharing. Accuracy may vary slightly depending on map data and pin placement.