Which grid coordinate provides greater precision?

Which grid coordinate provides greater precision?

• A. 6-digit coordinate
• B. 4-digit coordinate
• C. 8-digit coordinate
• D. 2-digit coordinate

Answer: (C)

In grid references, each extra digit sharpens the location by subdividing the map’s grid into smaller squares. An extra pair of digits narrows your position by a factor of ten in both easting and northing, giving far finer precision. So an eight-digit coordinate pins you to a much smaller grid area than a six-, four-, or two-digit coordinate. In practical terms, eight digits usually resolve to tens of meters, whereas fewer digits place you in progressively larger areas. Because of that, the eight-digit coordinate provides greater precision.

In grid references, each extra digit sharpens the location by subdividing the map’s grid into smaller squares. An extra pair of digits narrows your position by a factor of ten in both easting and northing, giving far finer precision. So an eight-digit coordinate pins you to a much smaller grid area than a six-, four-, or two-digit coordinate. In practical terms, eight digits usually resolve to tens of meters, whereas fewer digits place you in progressively larger areas. Because of that, the eight-digit coordinate provides greater precision.