05-23-2011, 06:16 PM
Its very simple to convert Decimal Degree to Degree,Min, Seconds. Just divide the seconds by 60. That will give you the Decimal Degree.
So, for example, if you have
Lat: 40°19'53.62"N
Lon: 111°45'49.58"W
Divide the 53.62 seconds by 60. That will give you .893
So the Lat would be either 40degree, 19.893 minutes.
The difference which is even more important is if you are copying somone else's points (or transferring them to another GPS unit) is to make sure both GPS units are using the same projection. For example, if one GPS unit is using the NAD27 projection and one is in WGS84, even if you have the exact same Lat/Long they will NOT be in the same place since the projection is different. Make sure both of your units are using the same one. The most popular are NAD83 or WGS84, both of which are pretty standard projections. You can find which projection your GPS unit is using by looking under the "set up" menu or something similar.
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So, for example, if you have
Lat: 40°19'53.62"N
Lon: 111°45'49.58"W
Divide the 53.62 seconds by 60. That will give you .893
So the Lat would be either 40degree, 19.893 minutes.
The difference which is even more important is if you are copying somone else's points (or transferring them to another GPS unit) is to make sure both GPS units are using the same projection. For example, if one GPS unit is using the NAD27 projection and one is in WGS84, even if you have the exact same Lat/Long they will NOT be in the same place since the projection is different. Make sure both of your units are using the same one. The most popular are NAD83 or WGS84, both of which are pretty standard projections. You can find which projection your GPS unit is using by looking under the "set up" menu or something similar.
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