Google-maps – What parameters should I use in a Google Maps URL to go to a lat-lon

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I would like to produce a url for Google Maps that goes to a specific latitude and longitude. Now, I generate a url such as this:

http://maps.google.com/maps?z=11&t=k&q=58 41.881N 152 31.324W

The resulting map comes up with a round "A" balloon pointer, which seems to point to the nearest named object, and a green arrow, which points to the lat-lon. Sometimes, as in this example, the "A" pointer is centered and is far enough away that you cannot see the pointer to the lat-lon. (Zoom out to see both pointers in this example. The "A" pointer is in the center of Alaska, while the lat-long pointer is on Kodiak Island.)

Are there some parameters I can use in the Google Maps URL that will produce a single pointer to a designated lat-lon? (This loads in a separate window. It is not embedded.)

Best Answer

This is current accepted way to link to a specific lat lon (rather than search for the nearest object).

http://maps.google.com/maps?z=12&t=m&q=loc:38.9419+-78.3020
  • z is the zoom level (1-20)
  • t is the map type ("m" map, "k" satellite, "h" hybrid, "p" terrain, "e" GoogleEarth)
  • q is the search query, if it is prefixed by loc: then google assumes it is a lat lon separated by a +
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