How to Share Your Location Coordinates from a Mobile Device in an Emergency

Automatic Translation by ChatGPT

Finding and sharing your location coordinates from your mobile device can be necessary for many reasons. For example, you may want to share a meeting point, a destination, or an interesting landmark that is in an unmarked or hard-to-find location.

However, the ability to share coordinates becomes especially important in emergencies — for instance, if you are lost in the forest, need help at a crowded beach, or if there’s been an accident on the road. Coordinates allow rescue teams to pinpoint your location precisely so that help can reach you faster.

In any emergency situation, the first priority is to remain calm. In Estonia, you can share your coordinates by calling the emergency number 112 and reading them aloud to the dispatcher. So — always start by calling 112, and the dispatcher will guide you from there.

During the call, place the phone on speaker and open a map application.

Most smartphones come with either Google Maps or Apple Maps pre-installed. Other map apps downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, such as Regio kaart (Google Play) and Regio kaart (App Store) or the Waze app, can also be used to find and share coordinates.

How to Find Your Coordinates (Especially in an Emergency)

Below are instructions for finding your coordinates using the Regio map app, Google Maps, and Apple Maps. Note that the appearance, size, and location of icons may vary slightly depending on the device model and operating system version, but the general principle is the same.

1. Open the map application — and do not end the call unless instructed to do so by the dispatcher.
2. Make sure your device’s location services (GPS) are enabled. You can activate this in your phone’s settings. On Apple devices, it may also need to be enabled specifically for the app..
3. If location services weren’t already turned on, most map apps will prompt you to allow location access when opened — approve this to proceed.
4. To find your current location, tap the round-shaped icon in the map app (usually located on the right-hand side). In Apple Maps, this icon is a small compass arrow near the edge of the screen.

After a few moments, a blue dot will appear on the map indicating your current location. The map will automatically center and zoom in on this point.

Press and hold your finger on the blue dot — after a moment, the coordinates will appear either at the bottom or top of the screen (or in a pop-up window in Apple Maps — swipe up on the “My Location” panel to view them). These are the numbers you will read to the emergency dispatcher.

Tip: If pressing the blue dot doesn’t work, try pressing slightly next to it instead.

Also check out the video prepared by the Estonian Emergency Response Centre on how to find coordinates on your phone: https://youtu.be/8xVvCOsGabc

How to Share Coordinates

To share coordinates via message, email, or another communication platform:

• On the Regio map app, first tap the displayed coordinates, then use the “Share (Jaga)” function.
• In Google Maps, swipe up from the bottom and scroll left until the “Share” option appears.
• In Apple Maps, after tapping the blue location dot, the “Send My Location” option will appear (see the Apple Maps illustration mentioned earlier).

This is a general guide on how to find and share coordinates using a mobile device’s map application. Keep in mind that different map apps may vary slightly, but the process is generally similar. The specific steps may also depend on the app you are using.

Teach your grandparents, parents, children, and friends how to find coordinates on their smartphones.

Be prepared — and happy navigating with maps and coordinates!