GeoIP Map: How We Estimate Location from an IP Address

Last updated: October 29, 2025

Table of Contents

What is GeoIP?

GeoIP is the process of estimating a user’s geographic attributes—such as country, region, city, and approximate coordinates—based solely on the IP address observed by a website or service. Providers compile large databases that map IP ranges to organizations (ASNs/ISPs) and typical locations of their routers and address blocks. The goal is approximation, not precise tracking.

What the Map Shows

Pin Location

The pin represents an approximate point—often the centroid of a city or the coordinates of an ISP’s Point of Presence (PoP)—not your exact street address.

Country & City

Derived from the IP range’s allocation and historical routing data. Smaller towns may resolve to the nearest major city.

ASN / ISP

Shows which organization announces the IP block on the global internet (e.g., your ISP or a hosting provider).

Timezone

Estimated based on the region; useful for log correlation and cross-timezone troubleshooting.

Accuracy & Limitations

Important: GeoIP is not GPS. It is unsuitable for critical decisions that require precise location without corroborating evidence.

VPNs, Proxies, and Mobile Networks

When you use a VPN or proxy, websites will see the exit server’s IP address and geolocate you to that facility—potentially in another country. Mobile carriers often use carrier-grade NAT and centralized egress points that make entire regions appear as the same city. These behaviors explain many “my location looks wrong” reports.

How to Use the GeoIP Map for Troubleshooting

  1. Check ASN and ISP: If the ASN is a known VPN or cloud host, geolocation will reflect that provider.
  2. Compare IPv4 vs IPv6: Your v6 path may exit in a different city than v4 due to distinct peering.
  3. Correlate with Traceroute: Hops and their hostnames often reveal the actual cities and networks crossed.
  4. Use Dig/Whois: Verify DNS answers and allocation records to understand why traffic is routed as observed.

Privacy Considerations

We display only coarse location data appropriate for diagnostics and education. Our Privacy Policy explains what we log and why. For sensitive investigations, consult legal guidance and corroborate with multiple data sources.

FAQs

Why does the pin move day to day?

Dynamic allocation and routing changes can cause different IP ranges to be assigned or egress through different PoPs.

Can GeoIP find my home address?

No. IP geolocation is not designed for pinpoint accuracy and typically cannot identify a street-level address.

Why does my city show as the ISP’s HQ?

Some providers register address blocks to a headquarters or regional office, which appears as the default.

Continue learning with our IPv4 vs IPv6 guide and the tool deep dives: Ping, Traceroute, Dig, and Whois.