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GPS Coordinates

Input, adjust, and validate GPS coordinates for projects

GPS Coordinates

Accurate GPS coordinates are essential for mapping, navigation, and regulatory reporting in DrillerDB. The system provides multiple methods for capturing and managing location data, ensuring every project has precise geographic information.

Quick Start: Add Coordinates

  1. Open project record
  2. Navigate to location section
  3. Choose method: address, manual, or Adjust Location map modal
  4. Enter or select location
  5. Save project
  6. Map displays with marker

Adding GPS Coordinates

DrillerDB offers three methods for adding GPS coordinates to projects.

Method Comparison

MethodBest ForHow It Works
Address GeocodingMost projectsAuto-converts address to coordinates
Manual EntrySurvey/regulatory dataDirect latitude/longitude input
Adjust Location modalVisual selectionUse map modal to set/refine location

Method 1: Address Geocoding

StepAction
1Enter street address in location field
2System contacts Google Maps API
3Address converts to coordinates automatically
4Happens in real-time or on save

Method 2: Manual Entry

StepAction
1Find coordinates from source (survey, GPS, records)
2Enter latitude value
3Enter longitude value
4Use decimal degrees format (e.g., 43.074722, -89.384444)

Method 3: Adjust Location Modal

StepAction
1Click Adjust Location
2Interactive map modal opens
3Click desired location on map
4Coordinates captured and stored

Address geocoding is the most common and easiest method. Use manual entry when you have precise coordinates from surveys or GPS devices.

Coordinate Formats

DrillerDB accepts GPS coordinates in multiple formats and automatically converts them to decimal degrees for internal storage and API compatibility.

Supported Formats

FormatExampleNotes
Decimal Degrees43.074722, -89.384444Preferred format, no conversion needed
Degrees Minutes Seconds43° 04' 29" N, 89° 23' 04" WCommon in surveying/regulatory docs
Degrees Decimal Minutes43° 04.488' N, 89° 23.066' WAuto-converted on entry

Format Conversion

Input FormatSystem Action
Decimal DegreesStored directly
DMS or DDMAuto-converted to Decimal Degrees
Invalid formatError message displayed

Use Decimal Degrees format when possible. It works with all mapping APIs and provides the highest precision without conversion.

Coordinate Validation

The system validates all GPS coordinates to ensure accuracy and catch errors.

Validation Rules

CheckValid RangeError If Outside
Latitude-90 to 90 degreesRejected with error
Longitude-180 to 180 degreesRejected with error
North AmericaWithin continent boundsWarning triggered

Special Validation Cases

ValueStatusMeaning
0, 0FlaggedLikely geocoding failure
Outside North AmericaWarningPossible data entry error
Invalid formatRejectedCannot be parsed

Projects with invalid coordinates cannot be displayed on maps until the coordinates are corrected.

Adjusting Coordinates

GPS coordinates can be adjusted at any time from the project details screen.

Step-by-Step: Adjust Coordinates

  1. Open project record
  2. Click Adjust Location button
  3. Edit mode activates
  4. Use any input method:
    • Type new address
    • Enter new lat/long values
    • Set location on the map modal
  5. Marker updates in real-time
  6. Click Save to confirm

What Gets Logged

ChangeLogged
Coordinate updateYes, with timestamp
Who made changeYes, user recorded
Previous valueYes, for audit trail

The audit trail of location changes is important for regulatory compliance and troubleshooting mapping issues.

Coordinate Precision

DrillerDB stores GPS coordinates with six decimal place precision.

Precision Details

Decimal PlacesAccuracyUse Case
6 places stored~4 inchesMeets all drilling industry needs
5 places displayed~3.3 feetReadable format for users

Storage vs Display

AspectValue
Database precision6 decimal places
User display5 decimal places
Actual dataFull precision maintained

Importing Coordinates

Bulk coordinate updates are supported through the project import system.

Import Process

StepAction
1Prepare CSV or Excel file
2Include project identifiers
3Include GPS coordinates
4Upload file
5System validates all entries
6Review flagged errors
7Complete import

Import File Requirements

ColumnRequiredFormat
Project IDYesMatch existing project
LatitudeYesAny supported format
LongitudeYesAny supported format

Invalid coordinates are flagged in import results. Correct errors before completing the import.

Regulatory Reporting

Many states require GPS coordinates in well completion reports and regulatory submissions.

State Format Requirements

StateRequired Format
Wisconsin DNRDecimal Degrees, 5 places
Other statesAdapts to jurisdiction

Automatic Formatting

Export TypeWhat Happens
Wisconsin DNR submissionAuto-formatted to spec
Other state reportsFormat adapted automatically
Custom exportsYour preference applied

DrillerDB automatically formats coordinates for each state's requirements, eliminating manual conversion.

Troubleshooting

Coordinates won't save?

  • Check format is supported
  • Verify latitude/longitude ranges
  • Try decimal degrees format

Geocoding placing marker wrong?

  • Rural addresses often geocode poorly
  • Use Adjust Location to correct position
  • Try more specific address

Coordinates showing 0, 0?

  • Geocoding likely failed
  • Enter coordinates manually
  • Use Adjust Location to set location

Import failing validation?

  • Check file format (CSV/Excel)
  • Verify coordinate format consistency
  • Review flagged rows for errors

Map not showing marker?

  • Project may lack coordinates
  • Coordinates may be invalid
  • Check validation status