diff --git a/simgear/scene/model/location.cxx b/simgear/scene/model/location.cxx
index 8c8e9f98..db6d7b2e 100644
--- a/simgear/scene/model/location.cxx
+++ b/simgear/scene/model/location.cxx
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ static void MakeTRANS( sgMat4 dst, const double Theta,
 // Constructor
 SGLocation::SGLocation( void ):
     _dirty(true),
-    _lon_deg(0),
+    _lon_deg(-1000),
     _lat_deg(0),
     _alt_ft(0),
     _roll_deg(0),