Details: Coordinates

Coordinates act as a reference system for locating places on Earth. They function in the same way as an XY Axis, with the grid reference [X,Y] referring to where a Point lies along each Axis line. These can be positive and negative values.

The 3D Earth can be converted to a 2D plane using a Projection System. This flat plane can be aligned to a grid so locations can be attributed a spatial reference code. This grid methodology is known as a Geographic Coordinate System. Explorer uses the same Projection and Geographic Coordinate system as Google Maps, World Geodetic System (WGS) 1984. If your coordinates are in a different System contact RDA for assistance.

The Y Axis (Latitude) becomes a measure of how far North or South a location is from the Equator. If a location is North of the Equator, then it is a positive number. If it is South then it is a negative number.

The X Axis (Longitude) becomes a measure of how far East or West a location is from Greenwich, UK (where Greenwich Mean Time also starts). If a location is East of Greenwich, then it is a positive number. If it is West then it is a negative number.

The easiest way to find the coordinates of a location is to search for it in Google Maps. Double-click on a location on the Google Map, and a box will appear with the coordinates of the point on screen. The box will not appear if you click on the icon representing the location that was searched.

Network Locations with the same Coordinates overlap so they appear on the Map as a single pin. Click on the symbol and the Network Locations with duplicate coordinates will be listed in a pop-up box, click on a listed Location to view the associated Trade Areas as usual.