Understanding Coordinate Formats
GPS coordinates come in several formats. Recognising these is essential:
Decimal Degrees (DD)
51.507351, -0.127758
Most common format for computers and mapping
Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM)
N 51° 30.441, W 000° 07.665
Standard geocaching format
Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)
51° 30' 26.46" N, 0° 7' 39.93" W
Traditional cartographic format
UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)
30U 699375 5710148
Grid-based military/survey format
Recognising Hidden Coordinates
Coordinates are often disguised. Look for these patterns:
Number Sequences
- Six or seven digits together: Could be decimal minutes (23.456)
- Two digits then three: Often degrees and minutes (51 30.441)
- Numbers 0-90 and 0-180: Valid latitude/longitude ranges
Example hidden pattern:
"The treasure was buried in 1851. The explorer found 30 gold coins and 441 gems."
Hidden: 51° 30.441 (year split as 18-51, items as 30.441)
Common Extraction Methods
From Cipher Solutions
After decoding text, look for coordinate patterns in the result:
NORTH FIFTY ONE THIRTY FOUR FOUR ONE → N 51° 30.441
From Word Values
A1Z26 values of words can form coordinates:
Word value of "ELM" = 5+12+13 = 30
This could be minutes in a coordinate
From Images
Check image metadata for embedded coordinates:
- EXIF data in photos
- Numbers hidden in images
- Steganographic content
Waypoint Projection
Many puzzles give you a starting point and require projection:
Example instruction:
"From the posted coordinates, travel 150 metres at a bearing of 45°"
What You Need
- Starting coordinates: Your reference point
- Distance: How far to travel (metres, feet, etc.)
- Bearing: Direction in degrees (0-360°)
Tool: Use our Waypoint Projection calculator to compute the result.
Coordinate Offsets
Some puzzles provide partial coordinates with variables:
Example format:
N 51° AB.CDE
W 000° FG.HIJ
Where A, B, C... are values you derive from solving puzzle elements.
Strategy
- 1. Identify what each variable represents
- 2. Solve for each value individually
- 3. Substitute values into the coordinate template
- 4. Verify the result makes geographic sense
Validating Your Answer
Before heading out, verify your coordinates:
- Check ranges: Latitude must be -90 to 90, longitude -180 to 180
- Verify location: Does the point look accessible on a map?
- Use the checker: If the cache has a coordinate checker, use it
- Consider terrain: Is the D/T rating realistic for that location?
- Check proximity: Does it match the posted distance from the owner's home coordinates?
Common Pitfalls
Wrong format conversion
51.5° is NOT the same as 51° 50'. Check your decimal to DDM conversions carefully.
N/S and E/W confusion
Pay attention to hemisphere indicators. Missing a negative sign puts you on the wrong side of the planet.
Leading zeros
W 000° is different from W 00°. Some puzzles require specific digit counts.
Decimal point placement
In DDM format, the decimal goes in the minutes, not the degrees. N 51° 30.441, not N 51.30° 441.
Pro Tips
- Know your local coordinates. Memorise the rough lat/long for your area so you can spot valid results.
- Use satellite view. Check your solved coordinates in satellite view to spot accessible hiding locations.
- Save intermediate results. Document each step of coordinate puzzles in case you need to backtrack.
- Try multiple formats. If a puzzle gives mysterious numbers, try interpreting them in different coordinate systems.