Which method effectively defines a location on the Earth's surface?

The geographic coordinate system is the most effective method for defining a specific location on the Earth's surface due to its foundation in a universally accepted framework that utilizes latitude and longitude values. This system allows for precise positioning anywhere on the globe by identifying coordinates that correspond to a point's east-west position (longitude) and north-south position (latitude).

By employing such a system, geographic data can be easily integrated, analyzed, and compared across different platforms and studies, facilitating a wide range of applications from mapping to navigation. Unlike alternatives that might rely on relative or arbitrary markers, such as postal codes or a simple grid system, the geographic coordinate system provides a standardized way to quantify locations, making it indispensable for GPS technology and other GIS applications.

While various methods can signify locations in specific contexts, the geographic coordinate system offers the highest precision and universal applicability, which is essential for comprehensive geographic analysis.