# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Maps

How to Determine Satellite Coordinates From a Survey

Finding satellite coordinates is a technical way of discussing latitude and longitude. The Global Positioning System and hand held GPS devices enabled by global satellites have made the long form of mapping all but obsolete for most travelers. According to the National Academy of Scienes, "On June 26, 1993...the U.S. Air Force launched the 24th Navstar satellite into orbit, completing a network of 24 satellites known as" GPS. Still, you can easily calculate your location for mapping purposes using a land survey. Points with or without an address can be determined using maps, GPS or several free geocoding websites.

GPS device
Map

Instructions

- 1
  Determine your actual physical location before attempting anything else. Locate a city, village, town or address to place yourself.
- 2
  Use a GPS device to tell you your current coordinates. Switch the device into coordinate mode (or something similar) to have it tell you the latitude and longitude of your location.
- 3
  Find your place on a topographical survey or map using your knowledge of the area. Follow the latitude and longitude lines until they meet. These are your coordinates. If you're unsure of your exact location, this may only be a close approximation.
- 4
  Using an address, you can find your coordinates through a free geo-coding service. Most geo-code websites require only a specific address be typed in -- latitude and longitude are extrapolated from that information.