Coordinate Search
Coordinate search finds survey marks near a specific latitude and longitude. This page covers the expected input format, how the nearest-neighbour radius works, and how result counts are determined.
Input format
Coordinate search expects coordinates in decimal degrees (WGS84), entered as a comma-separated latitude and longitude pair.
Expected format
latitude, longitude
Examples:
| Input | Location |
|---|---|
-33.8688, 151.2093 | Sydney Harbour, NSW |
-37.8136, 144.9631 | Melbourne CBD, VIC |
-27.4698, 153.0251 | Brisbane, QLD |
-34.9285, 138.6007 | Adelaide, SA |
Benchmrk expects latitude first, longitude second in decimal degrees. Australian latitudes are negative (south of the equator) and longitudes are positive (east of the prime meridian). Swapping them will fly the map to the wrong location.
What won't work
- Degrees-minutes-seconds (e.g.
33°52'7.7"S 151°12'33.5"E) — Convert to decimal degrees first. - Easting/Northing (MGA coordinates) — These are projected coordinates, not geographic. Use the decimal degree equivalent.
- Missing negative sign — Australian latitudes must be negative.
33.8688, 151.2093points to a location in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nearest-neighbour radius
When you search by coordinates, Benchmrk finds survey marks within a search radius around your specified point. The search uses a nearest-neighbour algorithm to return the closest marks.
How the radius works
- The search starts from your specified coordinates.
- Marks within the search radius are collected.
- Results are sorted by distance — closest marks first.
- The result set is capped at a maximum count to keep the response fast.
The search radius is configured server-side and may vary by jurisdiction. In areas with dense survey mark coverage, you'll see many results. In sparse areas, fewer marks fall within the radius.
Result count
Coordinate search returns a limited number of results to maintain performance. If more marks exist within the search radius than the result limit, only the closest marks are returned.
What this means in practice
- In urban areas (e.g. Sydney CBD), the search radius may contain hundreds of marks, but you'll see only the closest subset.
- In rural areas, you may see all marks within the radius because the total count is below the limit.
- If you need marks further from your search point, try adjusting your coordinates slightly or using Address Search for a broader area.
Coordinate search and the map
When you perform a coordinate search:
- The map flies to the specified coordinates.
- Nearby marks are highlighted on the map.
- The results panel shows the matching marks sorted by distance.
- Clicking a result selects it on the map and opens the point details panel.
The fly-to behaviour centres the map on your coordinates at an appropriate zoom level, giving you immediate visual context for the results.
Tips for coordinate searches
- Copy coordinates from other tools — If you have coordinates from a GPS device, Google Maps, or a GIS application, paste them directly into the search bar.
- Check the jurisdiction — Ensure the selected jurisdiction matches the state or territory your coordinates fall within.
- Use the map for refinement — After the initial search, you can click directly on marks visible on the map to explore beyond the search results.