Capturing Geolocation
Guide: Understanding & Capturing Geolocation
To get the most out of the new geospatial features in Studio, it helps to understand how coordinates work and the quickest way to find them for your assets.
Part 1: Geolocation 101 - What & How
Think of geolocation as a digital "X marks the spot" for the entire planet. Every point on Earth can be defined by the intersection of two imaginary lines:
Latitude (North/South): These lines run horizontally like the rungs of a ladder. The Equator is 0°. Anything North is a positive number (up to +90°), and anything South is a negative number (down to -90°).
Longitude (East/West): These lines run vertically from pole to pole. The Prime Meridian (running through England) is 0°. Everything East is positive (up to +180°) and everything West is negative (down to -180°).
Why we use Decimal Degrees: While you might see coordinates written with degrees, minutes, and seconds (e.g., 38° 53' 52" N), Studio uses Decimal Degrees (e.g., 38.8977). This format is the industry standard for software because it’s easier for computers to process, search, and map accurately.
Part 2: How to Get Coordinates (The Easy Way)
The fastest way to find precise coordinates for an asset is by using a map tool you likely already have.
Using Google Maps (Desktop)
Navigate to Google Maps.
Find the exact spot on the map where your asset belongs (e.g., the building your 3D model represents).
Right-click on that spot.
A pop-up menu will appear with the Latitude and Longitude listed at the very top.
Click the coordinates to automatically copy them to your clipboard.
Using Google Maps (Mobile)
Open the Google Maps app.
Long-press (touch and hold) on the map until a red pin drops.
On Android: Look at the search bar at the top; the coordinates are displayed there.
On iOS (iPhone): Tap the "Dropped Pin" label at the bottom. Scroll down slightly to find the coordinates next to the map icon.
Tap and hold the coordinates to copy them.
Part 3: Best Practices for Studio
Order Matters: In most systems (including Studio), the format is Latitude first, then Longitude (Lat, Long).
Don't forget the negative sign: If you are in the Western Hemisphere (like the U.S.) or the Southern Hemisphere (like Australia), your coordinates will likely start with a - (minus sign). Skipping this will place your asset on the opposite side of the world!
Be as Precise as You Want: You can include several numbers after the decimal point. Four decimal places (e.g.,
45.1234) is usually enough to pin a specific building, while six decimal places can pin a specific corner of a room.
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