Latitude and Longitude - Converting Sexagesimal to Decimal

The IMM will only accept latitude and longitude information in the decimal format. Geographical information is often provided in the sexagesimal format, i.e in degrees, minutes and seconds. To convert sexagesimal format to decimal format use the formula below.

Decimal Degrees = degrees + (minutes / 60) + (seconds / 3600)

For example assuming a sexagesimal latitude of east 35 degrees, 45 minutes and 36 seconds. To convert to decimal the calculation is as follows:

Decimal = 35.0 + (43 / 60) + (36 / 3600)

Decimal = 35.0 + 0.71666 + 0.01

Decimal = 35.72666

East = -35.72666

The valid geographical range for projects in the IMM is latitude between -10 and -40 and longitude between 105 and 135.

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Updated 19 June 2013