Location QR Code Generator
Scan opens the exact spot in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any navigation app.
Falls back to Google Maps search if coordinates are empty
Use High when adding a logo
Location QR Code Generator
Describing how to reach a specific place with text alone often fails. Street addresses can be ambiguous, GPS coordinates mean nothing to most people, and verbal directions get lost in translation. A location QR code cuts through all of that by encoding precise geographic coordinates or a map search query into a scannable code. One scan and the destination opens in whatever mapping app the user prefers: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, or any other navigation tool.
The generator supports two modes. You can enter exact latitude and longitude for pinpoint precision, or type a place name and let Google Maps resolve the location. Coordinates use the geo: URI format, while place names generate a Google Maps search link. Both methods produce a code that works on any smartphone.
How It Works
When you provide latitude and longitude, the generator creates a string in the format geo:48.8584,2.2945. The geo: URI is an open standard (RFC 5870) that both Android and iOS recognize natively. Android opens Google Maps by default, while iOS opens Apple Maps or the user preferred map app. If you enter a place name instead, the generator creates a Google Maps search URL: https://maps.google.com/?q=Place+Name. This approach is less precise but more forgiving of minor spelling differences.
For exact coordinates, use the decimal degree format. You can find these by right-clicking any point on Google Maps and copying the numbers. Avoid degrees-minutes-seconds notation, as the geo: URI expects decimal values.
Common Use Cases
Retail stores print location codes on flyers so customers can navigate to the nearest branch. Hiking clubs mark trailheads with QR codes leading to the exact starting point on the map. Wedding planners include them on invitations for the ceremony and reception venues. Real estate agents add them to property listings so buyers can preview the neighborhood before visiting. Event organizers place them on parking passes to guide drivers to the correct lot entrance.
Tips and Best Practices
Coordinates are always more reliable than place names because they point to a single spot on earth. Place names can resolve to different locations in different regions. For printed materials, use coordinates whenever possible. If you must use a name, make it as specific as possible: include the city and country, not just the business name. Test the code on both iPhone and Android before deploying, because map app behavior can vary slightly between platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the geo: format work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. The geo: URI is part of the IETF RFC 5870 standard and is recognized by both iOS (since version 6) and Android (since version 2.0). On iPhones, it opens Apple Maps by default, but users who have set Google Maps or Waze as their preferred app will see those instead.
How accurate are QR code coordinates?
As accurate as the numbers you enter. GPS coordinates with six decimal places resolve to a spot about 11 centimeters wide, which is far more precise than anyone needs for navigation. Four decimal places (about 11 meters) is sufficient for most practical applications.
Can I add a label or pin name to the map?
The basic geo: format does not support labels. If you need a named pin, use the place name field instead, which generates a Google Maps search link that displays the name in the Maps interface. Some apps support an unofficial extension geo:lat,lng?q=Label but compatibility is inconsistent.
What if the user has no internet connection when scanning?
The geo: URI tells the phone where to look on the map, but rendering the map itself requires an internet connection. If the user has offline maps downloaded for that region, navigation will still work. Otherwise, they will see the coordinates but no visual map until connectivity is restored.
Can I encode a route instead of a single point?
A QR code can only hold a single location, not a multi-stop route. To share a full itinerary, create a Google Maps route link and encode it as a URL QR code. Alternatively, create separate location codes for each stop.
Related Tools
For sharing a web link to a custom map or directions page, use the URL QR generator. For scheduling events at a specific location, try the event QR generator. For outdoor signage sizing, check the size guide.