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Location Info

Configure accurate location information for your sensors to enable proper map display and earthquake location calculations.

Why location matters​

Accurate sensor locations are essential for:

  • Map display - Sensors appear at correct positions
  • Event location - Earthquake locations depend on station positions
  • Data quality - Proper metadata for data analysis
  • Compliance - FDSN standards require location metadata

Location fields​

Coordinates​

Latitude​

  • Range: -90° to +90°
  • Format: Decimal degrees
  • Positive: North of equator
  • Negative: South of equator
  • Example: 37.7749 (San Francisco)

Longitude​

  • Range: -180° to +180°
  • Format: Decimal degrees
  • Positive: East of Prime Meridian
  • Negative: West of Prime Meridian
  • Example: -122.4194 (San Francisco)

Elevation​

Height above sea level:

  • Unit: Meters
  • Can be negative (below sea level)
  • Important for some calculations
  • Obtain from GPS, maps, or surveys

Depth​

Distance from surface to sensor:

  • Unit: Meters
  • Usually 0 for surface installations
  • Non-zero for borehole sensors

Setting location​

Manual entry​

  1. Open sensor configuration
  2. Find "Location" section
  3. Enter coordinates:
    • Latitude (decimal degrees)
    • Longitude (decimal degrees)
    • Elevation (meters)
  4. Add optional fields:
    • Site name
    • Address
    • Notes
  5. Save changes

Using the map​

  1. Open sensor configuration
  2. Click "Set on map"
  3. Navigate to the sensor location
  4. Click to place the marker
  5. Fine-tune if needed
  6. Confirm the location

Set location on map

Using current location​

If configuring while at the sensor site:

  1. Click "Use current location"
  2. Allow browser location access
  3. Coordinates are filled in
  4. Verify accuracy and save

Getting accurate coordinates​

From GPS​

Using a smartphone:

  1. Open a GPS or maps app
  2. Get coordinates at sensor location
  3. Copy decimal degree values
  4. Enter in dashboard

From online maps​

Using Google Maps:

  1. Navigate to sensor location
  2. Right-click on the exact spot
  3. Click the coordinates to copy
  4. Paste into dashboard

Using other map services:

  • Apple Maps: Long-press to drop pin
  • OpenStreetMap: Click to see coordinates
  • Bing Maps: Right-click for coordinates

From surveys​

For high-precision requirements:

  • Professional survey equipment
  • Differential GPS
  • Reference to known benchmarks

Coordinate formats​

Decimal degrees (preferred)​

The dashboard uses decimal degrees:

  • Latitude: 37.7749
  • Longitude: -122.4194

Converting from DMS​

If you have Degrees-Minutes-Seconds:

DMS: 37° 46' 29.64" N, 122° 25' 9.84" W

To decimal:

  • Latitude: 37 + (46/60) + (29.64/3600) = 37.7749
  • Longitude: -(122 + (25/60) + (9.84/3600)) = -122.4194

Online converters​

Use online tools to convert:

  • Search "DMS to decimal converter"
  • Enter DMS values
  • Copy decimal result

Site metadata​

Site name​

A descriptive name for the location:

  • Building name
  • Address summary
  • Landmark reference

Examples:

  • "City Hall - Basement"
  • "123 Main St, Suite 100"
  • "University Science Building"

Site description​

Additional notes about the installation:

  • Floor/room number
  • Mounting details
  • Access instructions
  • Contact information

Site classification​

Geological classification of the site:

  • Rock
  • Firm soil
  • Soft soil
  • Fill

This affects how ground motion is interpreted.

Accuracy requirements​

Minimum accuracy​

For basic functionality:

  • Within ~100 meters is acceptable
  • Sensor appears on map correctly
  • Adequate for visualization

For earthquake detection networks:

  • Within ~10 meters preferred
  • Better event location accuracy
  • Proper for scientific use

High-precision requirements​

For research or regulatory compliance:

  • Sub-meter accuracy
  • Professional survey recommended
  • Document measurement method

Updating location​

When to update​

Update location if:

  • Sensor is physically moved
  • Original coordinates were inaccurate
  • More precise measurements are obtained

Impact of changes​

Changing location:

  • Updates map display immediately
  • Historical data retains old location
  • May affect event calculations

Documenting changes​

Keep records of:

  • Previous location
  • New location
  • Date of change
  • Reason for change

Troubleshooting​

Sensor appears in wrong place​

  1. Verify coordinates are correct
  2. Check for swapped lat/long
  3. Check for sign errors (+/-)
  4. Verify decimal point placement

Common coordinate errors​

ErrorExampleShould be
SwappedLong: 37.77, Lat: -122.41Lat: 37.77, Long: -122.41
Wrong signLat: -37.77 (SF)Lat: 37.77
Wrong format37° 46' N37.7749

Location not saving​

  1. Check coordinate format
  2. Verify values are in valid range
  3. Check for validation errors
  4. Ensure you have edit permissions

Best practices​

Document your method​

Record how coordinates were obtained:

  • GPS smartphone app
  • Online map
  • Professional survey
  • Estimated

Verify visually​

After setting location:

  1. View sensor on map
  2. Compare to actual position
  3. Verify against satellite imagery
  4. Correct if needed

Periodic review​

  • Review locations periodically
  • Verify sensors haven't been moved
  • Update any corrections needed