How to convert Degrees/Minutes/Seconds coordinates to decimal degrees

How to convert Degrees-Minutes-Seconds coordinates to decimal degrees

We have to convert DMS coordinates when it has to import in GIS software as locational value. 

Decimal degree has a great importance when it is turn to input as GPS data for locational purposes. GIS database cannot support DMS value in X and Y insertion time from the excel file. So, it needs to convert to decimal degree.

Before going to convert DMS (Degrees Minutes Second) to decimal degree you have to keep in mind some terms-

1 degree = 60 minutes

1 minute = 3600 seconds

º Symbol represents degree

ʹ Symbol represents minute

ʺ Symbol represents second

 

Now you are perfect to further processes-

Decimal degree conversion formula- (Degrees/1) + (minutes/60) + (Seconds/3600)

 

Example- Guwahati lat 26° 8ʹ 52.9548ʺ, long 91° 43ʹ 52.9572ʺ

Now, you have to enter the coordinate values using the aforementioned formula-

Here it is how to enter the formula-

Y (latitude) = (26/1) + (8/60) + (52.9548/3600)

Y= 26.148043

X (longitude) = (91/1) + (43/60) + (52.9572/3600)

X= 91.731377