How to Jump to a Grid, Coordinate or Place on the Map Without a Signal

TL;DR

The map search accepts a typed grid or lat/long in any supported format and works fully offline. Place names use Apple's search and need a connection. The result recentres the map; you can then mark it or navigate to it.

The problem

Someone reads you a grid over the radio, or sends 38SMB4488011710 in a text. You need to see it on the map and know how far away it is. Pasting it into a general maps app doesn’t work; they don’t understand grids.

Steps

  1. On the Map, open the search (“Search for a place or coordinate”).
  2. Type or paste the coordinate in any supported format: MGRS/USNG, UTM, lat/long (DD, DDM, DMS) or OSGB.
  3. Choose the result. The map moves to it.
  4. Mark it as a waypoint, or Go to it from the Points list to get bearing and distance.

Short grids

If the grid is abbreviated, such as “MB 448 117” or “448117”, the app fills in the zone and 100 km square from your current position, so it assumes the point is near you. Include the full grid if the point is far away.

Place names

If you’re online, you can also search by name. The result is used only as a position to centre on. Apple’s pins and labels are not drawn onto the map.

If it fails

  • Check letters: MGRS uses no I or O in the 100 km square letters.
  • Check the figures are even in number (easting and northing equal length).
  • Check the format you entered matches the one you chose, for example lat/long needs N/S and E/W or signs.

FAQ

Does searching a grid need internet? No. A typed grid or coordinate is parsed on the device.

Can I leave out the zone? Yes for MGRS. If you omit the zone, or the zone and the 100 km square, the app resolves them from your current position.

Does place search work offline? No. Place names use Apple’s local search and need a connection.

What do I do with the result? The map recentres on it. Mark it as a waypoint, or navigate to it.

The app MGRS GPS →