GPS Coordinate Converter
GPS Coordinate Converter
Decimal Degrees
Results
Format Information
Decimal Degrees: Simple format using decimal numbers (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060)
Degrees Minutes Seconds: Traditional format dividing degrees into minutes and seconds (e.g., 40°42'46.08"N)
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What is a GPS Coordinate Converter?
A GPS coordinate converter is an essential navigation tool that converts geographic coordinates between different formats. Our free online converter specializes in converting between decimal degrees (DD) and degrees minutes seconds (DMS) formats, which are the two most commonly used coordinate systems for GPS navigation and mapping applications.
Decimal degrees format expresses coordinates as simple decimal numbers (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060), making it ideal for digital applications and GPS devices. DMS format breaks down coordinates into degrees, minutes, and seconds with directional indicators (e.g., 40°42'46.08"N, 74°0'21.6"W), which is the traditional format used in navigation and surveying.
Our converter provides real-time conversion between both formats, validates coordinate ranges, allows copying to clipboard, and includes a direct link to view coordinates on Google Maps. Whether you're working with GPS devices, mapping software, or navigation systems, this tool ensures accurate coordinate format conversion for all your location-based needs.
Common Uses for GPS Coordinate Conversion
Navigation and GPS Devices
Different GPS devices and navigation systems use different coordinate formats. Converting between decimal degrees and DMS ensures compatibility when transferring waypoints, routes, or locations between various GPS units, smartphone apps, and mapping software.
Surveying and Engineering
Professional surveyors and engineers often work with DMS coordinates for precision measurements, while digital mapping systems prefer decimal degrees. Converting between formats allows seamless integration of field data with computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information systems (GIS).
Aviation and Marine Navigation
Pilots and mariners traditionally use DMS coordinates for navigation charts and flight plans, while modern avionics and marine electronics often display decimal degrees. Converting between formats ensures accurate navigation and communication across different systems and documentation.
Outdoor Recreation and Geocaching
Hikers, geocachers, and outdoor enthusiasts encounter coordinates in various formats from different sources. Converting coordinates ensures accurate location finding whether using traditional maps with DMS coordinates or modern GPS apps that display decimal degrees.
How to Use the GPS Coordinate Converter
Choose Input Format
Select whether you want to input coordinates in decimal degrees or degrees minutes seconds (DMS) format using the format tabs.
Enter Coordinates
Input your latitude and longitude values. For decimal degrees, enter the numbers directly. For DMS, enter degrees, minutes, seconds, and select the direction (N/S for latitude, E/W for longitude).
View Converted Results
The converter automatically displays your coordinates in both decimal degrees and DMS formats in the results section below the input fields.
Copy or View on Map
Use the copy buttons to copy coordinates to your clipboard, or click "Open in Maps" to view the location on Google Maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between decimal degrees and DMS?
Decimal degrees (DD) express coordinates as decimal numbers (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060), while degrees minutes seconds (DMS) break coordinates into degrees, minutes, and seconds with directional indicators (e.g., 40°42'46.08"N, 74°0'21.6"W). DD is preferred for digital applications and programming, while DMS is traditional for navigation and surveying. Both represent the exact same location but in different formats.
How accurate is the coordinate conversion?
Our GPS coordinate converter provides highly accurate conversions with precision up to 6 decimal places for decimal degrees and 0.001 seconds for DMS format. This level of precision corresponds to approximately 0.1 meter accuracy at the equator, which is more than sufficient for most navigation, mapping, and surveying applications. The conversion algorithms follow standard geodetic calculation methods.
What are the valid ranges for latitude and longitude?
Latitude values must be between -90 and +90 degrees, where negative values represent southern latitudes and positive values represent northern latitudes. Longitude values must be between -180 and +180 degrees, where negative values represent western longitudes and positive values represent eastern longitudes. Our converter automatically validates these ranges and highlights invalid entries.
Can I use this converter for any location on Earth?
Yes, our GPS coordinate converter works for any location on Earth's surface. The coordinate system is global and standardized, so you can convert coordinates for any continent, country, city, or specific location. The converter handles both hemispheres and all time zones, making it suitable for worldwide navigation, mapping, and location-based applications.