Intro
Master converting DMS to decimal in Excel with 5 easy methods. Learn how to use formulas, functions, and shortcuts to convert degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees. Discover the benefits of decimal degrees and improve your geospatial data analysis with these simple and effective techniques.
In the world of geocoding and mapping, dealing with latitude and longitude coordinates is a common task. These coordinates can be represented in various formats, including Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (DMS) and decimal degrees. While DMS is more readable, decimal degrees are often required for calculations and analysis in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other applications. Excel, being a versatile tool, offers several methods to convert DMS to decimal degrees. Here, we'll explore five different ways to accomplish this conversion.
Understanding the Problem: DMS vs Decimal Degrees
Before diving into the conversion methods, it's essential to understand the two formats:
- DMS: This format represents coordinates as degrees, minutes, and seconds. For example, 43° 30' 30" is a coordinate in DMS format.
- Decimal Degrees: This format represents coordinates as a single decimal value. The same coordinate in decimal degrees would be 43.508333.
Method 1: Using the DMS to Decimal Formula
One way to convert DMS to decimal degrees is by using a formula. The formula is:
Decimal Degrees = Degrees + (Minutes / 60) + (Seconds / 3600)
This formula can be implemented in Excel using the following steps:
- Enter the DMS coordinates in separate cells for degrees, minutes, and seconds.
- Use the formula:
=A1+B1/60+C1/3600, assuming the degrees are in cell A1, minutes in B1, and seconds in C1. - Copy the formula down to other cells to convert multiple coordinates.
Example: Converting DMS to Decimal Degrees Using the Formula
| Degrees | Minutes | Seconds | Decimal Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 30 | 30 | =43+30/60+30/3600 |
| =43.508333 |
Method 2: Utilizing Excel's Text to Columns Feature
Excel's Text to Columns feature can be used to split the DMS coordinates into separate columns for degrees, minutes, and seconds. Then, the decimal degree formula can be applied. Here's how:
- Select the column containing the DMS coordinates.
- Go to the Data tab and click on Text to Columns.
- Choose Delimited and click Next.
- Select the delimiter (usually space or °) and click Next.
- Click Finish to split the coordinates into separate columns.
- Use the decimal degree formula to convert the coordinates.
Example: Converting DMS to Decimal Degrees Using Text to Columns
| DMS Coordinates | Degrees | Minutes | Seconds | Decimal Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43° 30' 30" | 43 | 30 | 30 | =43+30/60+30/3600 |
| =43.508333 |
Method 3: Creating a User-Defined Function (UDF)
A UDF can be created in Excel VBA to convert DMS coordinates to decimal degrees. Here's an example:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing Alt + F11 or navigating to Developer > Visual Basic.
- Create a new module by clicking Insert > Module.
- Paste the following code:
Function DMS_to_Decimal(DMS As String) As Double
Dim degrees As Double
Dim minutes As Double
Dim seconds As Double
Dim decimal_degrees As Double
degrees = Val(Left(DMS, InStr(DMS, "°") - 1))
minutes = Val(Mid(DMS, InStr(DMS, "°") + 1, InStr(DMS, "'") - InStr(DMS, "°") - 1))
seconds = Val(Mid(DMS, InStr(DMS, "'") + 1, InStr(DMS, """) - InStr(DMS, "'") - 1))
decimal_degrees = degrees + minutes / 60 + seconds / 3600
DMS_to_Decimal = decimal_degrees
End Function
- Save the module and return to the Excel worksheet.
- Use the UDF by typing
=DMS_to_Decimal(A1), assuming the DMS coordinate is in cell A1.
Example: Converting DMS to Decimal Degrees Using the UDF
| DMS Coordinates | Decimal Degrees |
|---|---|
| 43° 30' 30" | =DMS_to_Decimal(A1) |
| =43.508333 |
Method 4: Using an Add-In or a Third-Party Tool
There are several add-ins and third-party tools available that can convert DMS coordinates to decimal degrees. Some popular options include:
- Engineering ToolBox: A comprehensive add-in for engineering calculations, including coordinate conversions.
- GeoGebra: A dynamic mathematics software that can be used for coordinate conversions and other geometric calculations.
- QGIS: A free and open-source GIS software that can be used for coordinate conversions and other geospatial analysis.
These tools often provide a simple and intuitive interface for converting coordinates, and some may even offer additional features like batch conversion and data visualization.
Example: Converting DMS to Decimal Degrees Using an Add-In
| DMS Coordinates | Decimal Degrees |
|---|---|
| 43° 30' 30" | Use the add-in's conversion tool |
| =43.508333 |
Method 5: Using Online Conversion Tools
There are many online tools available that can convert DMS coordinates to decimal degrees. Some popular options include:
- LatLong.net: A simple and easy-to-use online tool for converting coordinates.
- Coordinate Converter: A comprehensive online tool that supports various coordinate formats, including DMS and decimal degrees.
- Geo Converter: A free online tool that can convert coordinates and perform other geospatial calculations.
These online tools are often quick and easy to use, and some may even offer additional features like batch conversion and data visualization.
Example: Converting DMS to Decimal Degrees Using an Online Tool
| DMS Coordinates | Decimal Degrees |
|---|---|
| 43° 30' 30" | Use the online tool's conversion feature |
| =43.508333 |
Conversion Methods Image Gallery
In conclusion, converting DMS coordinates to decimal degrees is a crucial task in various fields, including geocoding, mapping, and GIS analysis. Excel offers several methods to accomplish this conversion, including using formulas, text to columns, UDFs, add-ins, and online tools. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user.