# Alignment (Georeferencing)

Alignment is the step that connects your map image to real-world GPS coordinates. Once aligned, visitor phones can show a "you are here" dot on your map.

## How it works

You place nine corner pins — one on each corner and midpoint of your map — and drag each pin to the matching real-world location on a satellite basemap. Low Tech Maps uses those anchor points to calculate how any GPS coordinate maps onto your image.

## Step by step

### 1. Enter alignment mode

From the editor, click **Edit Alignment** (or proceed from Step 2 after setting orientation).

You'll see your map image overlaid on a satellite basemap, with four corner handles.

### 2. Drag the corner pins

Each corner handle corresponds to a corner of your map image. Drag each one to the matching real-world location:

* Zoom into the satellite view to place pins accurately
* Use recognizable landmarks — building corners, road intersections, field edges
* Accuracy here directly affects how well the GPS dot tracks on the viewer

### 3. Adjust opacity and zoom

Use the **opacity slider** to blend between your map image and the satellite view underneath — this makes it easier to see where features align.

Use the **zoom slider** to zoom the basemap in or out while placing pins.

### 4. Save

Click **Save Alignment** when all four corners are placed. Your map is now georeferenced.

## Re-editing alignment

You can return to alignment at any time from **Settings → Edit Alignment**. If you also change the rotation (Step 2), the corner pins will reset and you'll need to re-place them.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://lower-technology.gitbook.io/low-tech-maps/creating-maps/alignment.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.