About Geographic Coordinates

Geographic coordinates indicate a location on the earth by specifying the latitude and longitude of that point. Coordinates displayed on National Scenic Byways web site are in decimal degrees format:

N 39.013226 W 77.041792

How do I use these?

The National Scenic Byways website provides coordinates in addition to more general descriptions of locations and directions. You may enter the coordinates into your favorite mapping software to visualize the location and obtain detailed driving directions.

• Select the text of the coordinates with your mouse.
• Use your browser's Copy and Paste commands to place the coordinates into your mapping software.

Entering a geographic coordinate into mapping software, will display that particular point unambiguously on the map. All of the major online mapping solutions provide forms or tools for entering geographic coordinates. They may be entered as start and finish points to generate detailed driving directions, and plot the route on the map.

Why don't you just link to my favorite online mapping tool?

The National Scenic Byways websites are funded by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Current government policies prevent us from endorsing specific businesses.