Definition
A pair of values, expressed in latitude and longitude, that identify a unique point on the surface of the Earth. In aviation use, coordinates are typically given in degrees, minutes, and seconds (or decimal equivalents) and reference the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84) datum.
Plain English
Two numbers that pinpoint an exact spot on the Earth — one tells you how far north or south, the other how far east or west.
Context Anchor
Pilots see coordinates on charts, GPS units, flight planning tools, airport information, and notices that describe the location of a point or area.
Derivation
From Latin co- ('together') and ordinare ('to arrange in order'). Coordinates are values arranged together to fix a position — the two numbers only have meaning as a pair.
Why Pilots Care
Correct coordinates let pilots navigate accurately, file flight plans, avoid restricted areas, and confirm position when visibility is low or GPS is the primary reference.
Analogy
Coordinates are like a street address for a point on the earth. Instead of a house number and street name, aviation usually uses position values such as latitude and longitude.
Intuition Check
Coordinates do not mean a general area or rough direction. In aviation, they identify a specific location.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot entered the coordinates of the destination airport into the GPS before departure.
Example Sentence 2
When asked by ATC, the pilot read the current coordinates from the moving map display.