How to convert latitude and longitude coordinates to decimal degrees (244951)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MapPoint 2002
  • Microsoft MapPoint 2001
  • Microsoft MapPoint 2000
  • Microsoft Streets and Trips 2003
  • Microsoft Streets & Trips 2004
  • Microsoft Streets & Trips 2002 1.0
  • Microsoft Streets and Trips 2001
  • Microsoft Expedia Streets and Trips 2000
This article was previously published under Q244951

SUMMARY

To find a location on a map by using the latitude and longitude of that location, enter the coordinates in decimal degrees.

If the coordinates that you want to enter are in degrees and minutes, convert the number of minutes to a decimal value.

MORE INFORMATION

To convert the number of minutes to a decimal value, use the following formula:

Decimal value = Minutes/60

As an example, a latitude of 122 degrees 45 minutes North is equal to 122.75 degrees North.

REFERENCES

A tool that you can use to convert coordinates from degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees is available at the following U.S. Government Web site:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/DDDMMSS-decimal.html

To convert Seconds to decimals, divide by 3600.

Decimal value = Seconds/3600

As an example, a latitude of 122 degrees 45 minutes 45 seconds North is equal to 122.7625 degrees North.

So the complete formula looks similar the following:

Decimal value = Degrees + (Minutes/60) + (Seconds/3600)

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/18/2005
Keywords:kbhowto KB244951
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