How do I use GPS co-ordinates in Google Maps to find a motorhome Aire?

Using GPS co-ordinates to find a Motorhome stopover?

Over the years I have seen many co-ordinates written many ways. By understanding what to imput and what to omit, you will arrive at your destination! 

How do I imput GPS co-ordinates into Google maps?

If you choose to use your mobile phone or a computer, then you can use Google Maps which is pre-loaded on many phones or search www.google.co.uk/maps. On the screen there is a white box which asks ‘Search Google Maps’ or ‘Search here’. Type your co-ordinate here.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no need to type the degree symbol, simply leave a space.

How do I enter All the Aires co-ordinates into Google Maps?

In All the Aires Spain & Portugal Arcade in Spain has the GPS co-ordinates of: N42°20.366’ W008°36.796’ Enter this as N42 20.366’ W008 36.796’, replacing the degree symbol with a space. Google maps will then show you where it is and provide a route if required. For speed you can enter N42 20.366 W8 36.796 omitting the zero after the W (do not omit any other zeros!) and omit the ‘ from the end.

5 easy tips for imputting your co-ordinates into Google Maps 

Not all guides write the Sat Nav co-ordinates how they need to be imputed. Here are some fixes to common GPS co-ordinate imputting problems:

  • There should never be a space between the letters and the numbers.
  • Commas should always be full-stops.
  • In some guide books the co-ordinates are written with the N and E at the end: 40°22’37”N 00°23’33”E, this does not matter in Google maps, but other mapping may require it at the front.
  • Replace the degree symbol with a space
  • Some guides replace W with a minus sign. Therefore Marvao in Portugal could be written N39.39434° W7.3736° or 39.39434° -7.3736° 

How do I enter ACSI Camping Card co-ordinates into Google Maps?

In ACSI Camping Card a GPS co-ordinate in Peniscola is written N 40°22’37” E 00°23’33”, which google maps cannot find. Instead the space between the N and the E needs to be removed as does “  N40°22’37 E00°23’33, once again change the degree symbol to a space: N40 22’37 E00 23’33

How do I enter Camperstop Europe co-ordinates into Google Maps?

Camperstop Europe provide a co-ordinate for Le Treport as n50,05777 e1,36222 Google maps cannot find this because the , should be a . Therefore the co-ordinates should be imputed n50.05777 e1.36222

How do I generate a degree symbol on an I-phone or Android?

Firstly, you don’t need to generate a degree symbol on your phone, just use a space as described above. But if you really need to:
To get the ° symbol on an i-phone or Android, you have to keep the zero pressed and it comes up.

I am using the degree symbol on my phone but Google Maps can’t find it?

I tested this on my Galaxy Android phone. I imputed the degree symbol by pressing zero and it did come up but Google Maps refused to search the location, simply telling me it didn’t exist. I removed the degree symbol and replaced it with a space and it worked! So in conclusion, you can generate a ° symbol, but you shouldn’t!


How can I make sure the GPS co-ordinates will work?

Test the above co-ordinates into google maps or your chosen navigation tool before you depart to check how they need to be imputed. 

If you want to understand more out GPS co-ordinates read our blog Don’t let your SatNav drive you up the garden path

 

About the Author

Meli George is an expert navigator and is often found pouring over a map with glee. Failed by her trusty map (in the maps defence the scale wasn't enough) she navigated Guadalajara in Mexico using the sun! Prior to using the Sat-Nav she navigated the UK via OS maps and a compass. Adopting GPS co-ordinates in 2006, she has since travelled Europe extensively using co-ordinates from All the Aires guide books (she is the editor!).

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1 comment

great explanation keep up the good work
Happy new year

Mark Ellis

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