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Matching Position Format and Coordinates on Garmin Devices
Matching Coordinates and Position Format
When given coordinates for a GPS position, you may find the position format does not match the device's format or that the coordinates have too many numbers.
If the formatting of the coordinates does not match the format on the Garmin Device, confirm the format of the provided coordinates. Maps should have a legend that lists the position format used. Consult the Garmin device's owner's manual for information on determining position format and changing the position format to match the given coordinates.
Garmin devices have a specific level of accuracy that they can provide. Occasionally coordinates come from a more precise source, and Garmin devices will not have the additional position format spaces needed for such precision. Especially true when using coordinates from a survey-grade map or a survey-grade GPS. These types of devices can have near pinpoint accuracy. When entering these types of coordinates, the extra digits at the end can be rounded up or dropped off. Here is an example:
Survey Grade Coordinates for the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France:
- N 48° 51' 29.1348''
- E 2° 17' 40.8984''
How these coordinates would look entered into a Garmin device:
- N 48° 51' 29.1"
- E 002° 17' 40.9"
In the example, the last three digits from each coordinate line needed to be removed for the Garmin device to accept the coordinates; however, the Garmin device will still guide you to the Eiffel Tower.
An important to note some maps may use positive (+) or negative (-) values for latitude and longitude coordinates. Change the device to the North, South, East, or West values that Garmin devices use to signify which hemisphere the coordinates are in:
Latitude:
- positive (+) = N (North of the equator)
- negative (-) = S (South of the equator)
Longitude:
- positive (+) = E (East of the prime meridian)
- negative (-) = W (West of the prime meridian)