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How to Search by Coordinates in TravelAnimator

|Jaseel

The TravelAnimator app allows you to search for locations directly by coordinates, right in the same search bar you already use in the app.

Whether you’re working with GPS data, mapping a remote destination, recreating a scientific route, or animating a journey planned in another tool, searching by coordinates becomes essential. Sometimes, all you have is a pair of numbers with latitude and longitude.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to search by coordinates in TravelAnimator, when and why this feature is useful, supported coordinate formats, best practices, and how to turn raw geographic data into beautiful animated travel stories.

What Does Searching by Coordinates Mean?

Searching by coordinates means finding a location using its latitude and longitude values instead of a place name.

Latitude and longitude are a global system used to identify exact positions on Earth. Latitude defines how far north or south a location is from the equator, and Longitude defines how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian. Together, these values pinpoint an exact spot on the map, even if that spot doesn’t have a recognizable name.

For example, a mountain peak, a point in the ocean, a remote village, a research location, or a custom GPS marker. When you search by coordinates in TravelAnimator, the app translates those numbers into a visual map location that can be animated just like any other destination.

When Would You Need to Use Coordinates in TravelAnimator?

  • The location doesn’t have a proper name – Remote areas, trails, deserts, or ocean points often can’t be searched by name.
  • You’re working with GPS or survey data – Many GPX files, research logs, and mapping tools provide coordinates instead of addresses.
  • You planned your route outside the app – Google Earth, Google My Maps, drones, or navigation tools often export latitude and longitude values.
  • You want precise start or end points – City names can be vague, but coordinates let you place your route exactly where it begins or ends.
  • You’re creating educational or professional animations – Teachers, researchers, and planners often rely on exact geographic points.
  • You’re animating off-grid or adventure travel – Trekking routes, camping spots, islands, or mountain passes are easier to locate using coordinates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Search by Coordinates in TravelAnimator

  1. Open the TravelAnimator app on your device. You can either start a new animation project or open an existing project to add a new location.
  2. Tap the same location search bar you normally use to search for place names like cities or landmarks. There is no separate coordinate input field, and it keeps the workflow simple.
  3. Enter the Coordinates – latitude and longitude directly into the search bar. Make sure the values are correctly ordered and formatted.
  4. Tap the Search button on your keyboard. TravelAnimator will automatically recognize the coordinates and display the matching location.
  5. Tap on the coordinate-based result from the list. The location will instantly appear on the map and be added as a start point, a destination, or an intermediate stop, depending on your project.
  6. Once added, the coordinate-based location behaves exactly like any other location you can connect routes to, add vehicle models to, customize path styles for, apply place labels to, and animate the complete journey. There are no limitations after adding a coordinate-based location.

Supported Coordinate Formats in TravelAnimator

  • Decimal Degrees (Most Common)

This is the most widely used format in GPS tools and mapping software. This format is recommended for the best accuracy and ease of use.

Example:

20.0000, 77.0000

40.834779, 140.214622

 

  • Direction Indicators (N, S, E, W)

You can include direction indicators along with numeric values. This format is helpful when copying coordinates from geographic references or research materials.

Example:

20.0000 N, 77.0000 E

3°15′ N, 73°00′ E

 

  • Comma-Separated Format

Coordinates should be separated by a comma to avoid confusion. Avoid adding unnecessary text, symbols, or labels when searching.

Example:

latitude, longitude

What Happens After You Add a Location by Coordinates

Once a coordinate-based location is added, TravelAnimator treats it exactly like a named place.

You can:

  • Connect it with other locations using animated route lines
  • Choose 2D (Flat) or 3D (Globe) map views
  • Add vehicle or travel icons
  • Apply place labels and customize their appearance
  • Add images and text overlays
  • Adjust camera movement, zoom, and ratio
  • Export the final animation in HD or 4K

There’s no visual difference between a location added by name and one added by coordinates, the difference is only in how it was searched.

Best Practices When Using Coordinates in Travel Animations

  • Double-check coordinate accuracy – A small mistake in numbers can place your point miles away.
  • Use place labels for clarity – Coordinates alone don’t explain meaning. Labels like Base Camp or Start Point help viewers understand.
  • Combine with images or text – Adding context helps transform technical data into a compelling story.
  • Maintain consistent formatting – Use the same coordinate style across your project for clarity and professionalism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching by Coordinates

Even though the feature is simple, beginners sometimes run into small issues. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Swapping latitude and longitude. Instead of that, always enter latitude first, then longitude.
  • Using unsupported symbols or extra text. Avoid labels like “Lat:” or “Lng:” in the search bar.
  • Forgetting commas or spacing leads to the wrong location. Proper separation helps the app recognize coordinates correctly.
  • Expecting automatic place names. Coordinates may not always display a familiar city name, so use the label option to add such names or locations.
  • Not checking map alignment. Always preview your animation to ensure the point appears where expected.

Turn Precise Coordinates into Animated Travel Stories

TravelAnimator makes working with coordinates simple, intuitive, and powerful. By allowing you to search directly using latitude and longitude in the same search bar, the app removes unnecessary complexity while supporting advanced travel needs. Whether you’re mapping remote adventures, visualizing GPS data, recreating planned routes, or telling stories from places that don’t exist on standard maps, coordinate search gives you precision without sacrificing creativity. With TravelAnimator, raw geographic numbers turn into smooth routes, engaging animations, and visually rich travel stories — all in just a few taps.

Start using coordinates today and bring even the most precise journeys to life through animation.