

This article discusses how to find your location on a print map using coordinates of your current location recorded by a gps. We often use a basic Garmin eTrex unit as our go-to example, but all GPS units function in very similar ways and have similar features. Before you start with these instructions, learn which keys, buttons or menu selections activate the following basic functions on the GPS you're using:





First, you need to make sure the coordinate units on your GPS (latitude/longitude, UTM, etc) are set to the same format as appearing out to the side of your map. If you're not sure how to do this, read this article on how to change measurement units and map format setting on a gps.

Then, write down the GPS address for your current location. Either mark your location to capture the address, or some will show your current location on a navigation page. See our article on how to mark a waypoint with a GPS for more information.

The map will have reference coordinates marked at periodic intervals - every minute for example, or every kilometer on the UTM grid. Armed with one half of the coordinate pair from the GPS, find the closest reference points on the map, and estimate the distance you are between the tic marks. For example, assume the longitude tic marks are shown for 111 degrees, 25 minutes and 111 degrees, 26 minutes, etc. If the GPS shows you at 111 degrees, 25.345 minutes longitude then you know you are approximately 1/3 of the way between the 2 map tic marks. Draw a vertical line down from that estimated point. Then do the same process for the latitude coordinates: assume the latitude tic marks are shown for 33 degrees, 43 minutes and 33 degrees, 44 minutes, etc. If the GPS shows you at 33 degrees, 43.769 minutes latitude then you know you are approximately 3/4 of the way between the 2 map tic marks. Draw a horizontal line across from that estimated point.

Where the 2 lines you've drawn intersect is your approximate location on the print map. To narrow it down further, and to confirm your calculations, look around and compare notable landmarks you see to those appearing on the printed topo map.


Our GPS Overview page
How to Mark a Waypoint with a GPS
How to Manually Enter a Waypoint Coordinate into a GPS
How to Navigate to a Waypoint with a GPS
How and Why to Change Map Orientation on a GPS
How to Change Measurement Units and Map Format Setting on a GPS
How to Record a Track of Waypoints on a GPS
What does WAAS Mean for a GPS
Using a GPS for Geocaching


