Decimal Degrees to Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds Converter: Make Geographic Coordinates Easy to Read

When working with maps, navigation tools, or survey data, you may come across two common formats for geographic coordinates: decimal degrees (DD) and degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS). While decimal degrees are widely used in digital mapping, the DMS format is the traditional style still preferred in many fields like navigation, surveying, and cartography.

This tool makes it simple to convert decimal degrees into the DMS format without manual calculations.

Understanding the Formats

1. Decimal Degrees (DD)

• A single number for latitude and longitude.
• Example: 40.7128° latitude, -74.0060° longitude (New York City).
• Easier to use in modern software and GPS devices.

2. Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (DMS)

• Breaks coordinates into three units: degrees (°), minutes ('), and seconds (").
• Example: 40° 42' 46.08" N, 74° 0' 21.6" W.
• Preferred in traditional navigation charts and some legal land descriptions.

Why Use This Conversion Tool

Manually converting DD to DMS requires multiplying and splitting values into minutes and seconds, which can be prone to rounding errors. This tool automates that process, ensuring accuracy and saving time.

It is especially useful for:

• Surveying: Recording precise property boundaries.
• Navigation: Using coordinates with marine or aviation charts.
• Cartography: Preparing maps that require traditional formatting.

How to Use the Converter

1. Enter the Decimal Degree Value

• Input your latitude or longitude in decimal degrees.
• Be sure to include negative signs for west longitudes and south latitudes.

2. Click Convert

• The tool instantly calculates the DMS equivalent.

3. Copy the Result

• Use it in your maps, legal descriptions, or navigation devices that require DMS format.

Example Conversion

• Input (DD): 51.1789° N
• Output (DMS): 51° 10' 44.04" N

Final Tip

Whether you are a surveyor, a sailor, or a geography enthusiast, having quick access to a reliable coordinate converter can make your work faster and more accurate. This tool is simple, precise, and ready to use whenever you need it.

Try the Decimal Degrees to Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds Converter here:

https://onl.li/tools/decimal-degrees-to-degrees-minutes-seconds-178