Home
Back
DMS to Decimal Formula:
| From: | To: |
DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds) to Decimal conversion is a method to convert geographic coordinates from the traditional DMS format to decimal degrees format. This conversion is essential for digital mapping systems and GPS devices that typically use decimal degrees.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts the angular measurements from the sexagesimal system (base-60) used in DMS format to the decimal system (base-10) used in decimal degrees.
Details: Decimal degrees are the standard format for most digital mapping applications, GPS devices, and geographic information systems (GIS). Converting from DMS to decimal format enables compatibility with modern navigation and mapping technologies.
Tips: Enter the degrees, minutes, and seconds values. All values must be valid (degrees ≥ 0, minutes between 0-59, seconds between 0-59.999). For southern or western coordinates, use negative degrees values.
Q1: How do I represent negative coordinates (South/West)?
A: Use a negative sign before the degrees value. For example, 30° South would be entered as -30 degrees.
Q2: What's the precision of this conversion?
A: The calculator provides results with 6 decimal places, which corresponds to approximately 0.1 meter accuracy at the equator.
Q3: Can I convert decimal back to DMS format?
A: Yes, but you would need a different calculator. The reverse conversion involves separating the decimal portion and converting it to minutes and seconds.
Q4: Why are there 60 minutes in a degree and 60 seconds in a minute?
A: This sexagesimal system (base-60) dates back to ancient Babylonian mathematics and has been used in astronomy and navigation for centuries.
Q5: Are there any limitations to this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise, but users should ensure they're using the correct hemisphere (North/South, East/West) designation when applying the coordinates.