When you are doing research on various sites around the world, you want to get the most accurate coordinates you can. However, in talking with many people, it’s apparent that some do not know the proper way to do this.
I will show you a classic example, the Pyramid of Khufu from the Giza Complex in Cairo, Egypt. Here is a screenshot from Google Earth:
Pyramid of Khufu, Giza Complex, Cairo, Egypt
A lot of people would take the coordinate of the apex of the pyramid. However, that would not be correct. This is because the satellite was not directly above (over the center) when the image was taken. Therefore, the apex of the pyramid is off center. However, the solution is very simple. Don’t use the apex.
Have a look at this screenshot.
Take the coordinate from the center of the base
Instead, you want to take the coordinate of the center of the structure at the base, not the apex or in the case of a building, not a point on the roof.
If you follow this rule, the coordinates will not change as Google Earth updates its satellite imagery.