Convert Degrees Minutes Seconds to Decimal Degrees in Voxler

Latitude and Longitude coordinates are often presented in degrees, minutes, seconds (DMS), such as 39° 45' 30" (39 degrees, 45 minutes, 30 seconds). However, Voxler can only plot values in decimal degrees. So, for example, 39° 45' is referred to as 39.75° in Voxler. Voxler does not currently have a way to do this conversion, it must be done manually. 

There are 60 minutes in one degree and 3600 seconds in one degree. To convert DMS to decimal degrees, divide minutes by 60, divide seconds by 3600, and then add the results of both to the degrees value to obtain the decimal degrees:

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

For Example, to convert 39° 25' 30" to decimal degrees

1. First, convert minutes and seconds to degrees.
   25'/60 = 0.4167°
   30"/3600 = .0083°
2. Then, add these numbers to the number of degrees.
   39° + 0.4167° + 0.0083° = 39.425°
3. So, the final result is:
   39° 25' 30" = 39.425°

Once your coordinates are in decimal degrees, you can use the data in Voxler. Please note that if you are going to work with the data in Voxler, it is always recommended to convert your data to a projected system like UTM so the x, y, and z units are the same.

Contact us if you would like to request the ability to convert DMS to decimal degrees in Voxler.

Updated June 8, 2018