GPS Coordinates on a Headstone

A line of coordinates looks simple, but it can point to a whole story: the cottage dock, the farm, the mountain summit, the place a couple first met.

Places families choose

• A family farm or homestead.
• A cottage, lake or favourite beach.
• Where a couple met or married.
• A summit, trail or fishing spot.
• A hometown overseas.
• Where someone was lost at sea — see lost-at-sea memorials.

Formatting coordinates

Two common formats:

• Degrees, minutes, seconds: 44° 39′ 12″ N, 79° 25′ 48″ W
• Decimal degrees: 44.6533° N, 79.4300° W

Double-check with a map app before approving the proof — a single wrong digit points somewhere else entirely.

Layout ideas

• Coordinates below the epitaph in a small, clean font.
• Coordinates with an etched scene of the place.
• Coordinates on the back with a short explanation.
• Pair with a QR code linking to photos.

Wording to pair

• "Where his heart was."
• "Our happy place."
• "Where it all began."
• "Home."

How precise should coordinates be?

Precision depends on the place. For a town or region, two decimal places — about a kilometre — are enough. For a specific cottage dock or campsite, four or five decimal places pinpoint it to within a few metres. Bear in mind that very precise coordinates of a private home are visible to every visitor; some families prefer to mark a public place, such as a lake or summit, instead. Whatever you choose, keep the font small and simple so the numbers stay readable.

Key Takeaways

• Coordinates can mark a deeply personal place.
• Use degrees-minutes-seconds or decimal format.
• Check every digit on a map before approval.
• Pair with a scene, QR code or short line.

Next Step

Add coordinates in the Design Studio.