How do you identify elements based on their characteristics and location?

By location, I assume you mean the location of elements in the periodic table of elements. 

All the known elements are arranged in the periodic table of elements in the form of rows and columns, also termed as periods and groups, respectively. This arrangement is based on their characteristics and thus elements with similar characteristics are clubbed together. Elements with similar characteristics are placed in the same group, such as noble gases, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, etc. For example, group I elements are all metals (except hydrogen) and all like to donate an electron and form ionic compounds. 

Thus, knowing the characteristics of an element, we can know the group it should belong to. Knowing its location or position in the periodic table also allows us to determine its likely characteristics. A combination of knowledge of both the properties and location will help us identify the element. 

Hope this helps.