Final answer:
In GIS, a location is typically defined by two coordinates, latitude and longitude, for two-dimensional mapping. If elevation is considered, which is common for topographic purposes or analysis, a third coordinate is added.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of coordinates defined to a location in a GIS (Geographic Information System) depends on the type of system being used. For most mapping purposes on Earth, two coordinates are used: latitude and longitude. These coordinates allow someone to specify a position on a map with precision. Latitude corresponds to the north-south position, while longitude refers to the east-west position.
In the context of GIS, we can also encounter three-dimensional coordinates where the third coordinate is elevation or altitude, which can be particularly relevant for tasks such as creating topographic maps or when the vertical component is significant for the analysis.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'How many coordinates are defined to a location in GIS?' would be 2 or 3, depending on whether elevation is included. To specify a location on Earth's surface in two dimensions, two coordinates are generally sufficient, but for including elevation, three coordinates are used.