coordinates for honolulu

Coordinates of Honolulu: A Guide to Location and Navigation

Honolulu, the vibrant capital of Hawaii, is pinpointed by its geographic coordinates. These coordinates, expressed as latitude and longitude, are approximately 21.3069° N latitude and 157.8583° W longitude. Understanding these coordinates is essential for various applications, from mapping and navigation to geographic information systems (GIS).

What are Latitude and Longitude?

Latitude and longitude are the foundation of the geographic coordinate system. Latitude measures the angular distance, in degrees, north or south of the Equator (0°). Honolulu’s latitude of 21.3069° N indicates it lies approximately 21 degrees north of the Equator. Longitude measures the angular distance, in degrees, east or west of the Prime Meridian (0°), an imaginary line running through Greenwich, England. Honolulu’s longitude of 157.8583° W means it is approximately 157 degrees west of the Prime Meridian.

Honolulu’s Exact Coordinates and Location

While 21.3069° N and 157.8583° W are widely accepted, slight variations may exist depending on the specific point within Honolulu being referenced. For example, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) might have slightly different coordinates than downtown Honolulu. Using resources like the Honolulu Wikipedia page can provide a more detailed overview of the city’s geography and specific locations.

Using Coordinates for Navigation and Mapping

Coordinates are crucial for GPS navigation systems, online maps, and other location-based services. By inputting Honolulu’s coordinates into a GPS device or mapping application, you can precisely locate the city and plan routes. This is also invaluable for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used in urban planning, resource management, and scientific research related to the Honolulu area.

Different Coordinate Formats

Coordinates can be expressed in several formats:

• Decimal Degrees (DD): As mentioned above, e.g., 21.3069° N, 157.8583° W.
• Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (DMS): e.g., 21°18’25” N, 157°51’30” W.
• Degrees, Decimal Minutes (DMM): e.g., 21°18.414′ N, 157°51.5′ W.

Most mapping applications and GPS devices accept coordinates in various formats, offering flexibility depending on user preference.

Frequently Asked Questions about Honolulu Coordinates

What is the latitude of Honolulu?

Honolulu’s latitude is approximately 21.3069° N.

What is the longitude of Honolulu?

Honolulu’s longitude is approximately 157.8583° W.

How accurate are the given coordinates?

The coordinates are generally accurate, but slight variations may occur depending on the specific location within Honolulu being referenced.

Can I use these coordinates in Google Maps?

Yes, you can input these coordinates into Google Maps or any other mapping application to locate Honolulu.

Why are coordinates important?

Coordinates are crucial for precise location identification, navigation, mapping, and various applications in geography, urban planning, and resource management.

Summary

Honolulu’s coordinates, approximately 21.3069° N latitude and 157.8583° W longitude, provide a precise location for the city on the globe. Understanding these coordinates is fundamental for navigation, mapping, and a range of geographical applications. Utilizing different coordinate formats ensures compatibility with various devices and software.