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Creating Location QR Codes

Generate QR codes that, when scanned, open a map application showing a specific location. This is perfect for businesses, events, tourist attractions, or any situation where you want to help people find a physical location easily.

Location QR Code Formats​

There are several ways to create location QR codes:

1. Using Geo URI Format​

The Geo URI format is widely supported and uses the following structure:

geo:latitude,longitude,altitude

The altitude parameter is optional and can be omitted. For example:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=geo:37.7749,-122.4194

This QR code will open the default map app on the user's device pointing to the coordinates of San Francisco.

2. Using Google Maps URLs​

You can also use direct Google Maps URLs to create more detailed location QR codes:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://maps.google.com/?q=address or coordinates

For example, with a specific address:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://maps.google.com/?q=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA

Or with coordinates:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://maps.google.com/?q=37.7749,-122.4194

3. Using Apple Maps URLs​

For iOS devices, you can use Apple Maps links:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://maps.apple.com/?ll=latitude,longitude&q=label

For example:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://maps.apple.com/?ll=37.7749,-122.4194&q=San%20Francisco

Creating Location QR Codes in Spreadsheets​

You can generate location QR codes in bulk using spreadsheets. Here's an example formula for Google Maps URLs:

="https://quickchart.io/qr?text=" & ENCODEURL("https://maps.google.com/?q=" & A2 & "," & B2 & "&z=17")

Where:

  • Column A contains the latitude
  • Column B contains the longitude
  • The &z=17 parameter sets the zoom level (optional)

For addresses rather than coordinates:

="https://quickchart.io/qr?text=" & ENCODEURL("https://maps.google.com/?q=" & A2)

Where:

  • Column A contains the full address

For more details on using spreadsheets, see our guide on generating QR codes in Excel and Google Sheets.

Advanced Map Parameters​

Google Maps Parameters​

Google Maps URLs support several parameters:

  • q= - Search query or address (can be coordinates or text)
  • z= - Zoom level (0-21, higher is more zoomed in)
  • t= - Map type (m for standard, k for satellite, h for hybrid)
  • layer= - Additional layer (t for traffic, c for bicycling, r for transit)

Example with traffic layer:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://maps.google.com/?q=Times+Square,+New+York&layer=t

Apple Maps Parameters​

Apple Maps URLs support several parameters:

  • ll= - Latitude and longitude
  • q= - Label for the pin
  • z= - Zoom level
  • t= - Map type (m for standard, k for satellite, h for hybrid)
  • dirflg= - Transportation type (d for driving, w for walking, r for transit)

Adding Directions​

You can create QR codes that not only show a location but also provide directions:

Google Maps Directions​

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=destination&travelmode=mode

Where mode can be driving, walking, bicycling, or transit. For example:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Empire+State+Building,+New+York&travelmode=walking

Customization Options​

You can customize your location QR codes using any of the standard QR code parameters. Here's an example with custom styling:

https://quickchart.io/qr?text=geo:37.7749,-122.4194&dark=4285f4&caption=Find Us&captionFontSize=15

Best Practices​

  1. Use the right format - For universal compatibility, the geo: URI format works well. For more detailed maps, use Google Maps URLs.
  2. Include a label or description - When using map service URLs, include a clear label so users know what location they're looking at.
  3. Test on different devices - Different phones may open different map apps by default, so test your QR codes on both Android and iOS devices.
  4. Consider QR code density - Long URLs create more complex QR codes that may be harder to scan. Consider using a URL shortener if your map URL is very long.

Use Cases​

  • Business listings - Add QR codes to your website, business cards, or marketing materials
  • Event locations - Include a location QR code on event invitations or tickets
  • Tourist attractions - Display QR codes at key points of interest or on brochures
  • Real estate listings - Add QR codes that show property locations
  • Emergency meeting points - Use QR codes to help people navigate to assembly points

Need help?​

For questions about generating location QR codes, visit our community forum.

To learn more about QR code customization options, check out the QR code API documentation.

Ian Webster

About the author

Ian Webster is a software engineer and former Googler based in San Mateo, California. He has helped Google, NASA, and governments around the world improve their data pipelines and visualizations. In 2018, Ian created QuickChart, a collection of open-source APIs that support data visualization efforts.

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