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How to change GPS coordinates to Decimal Setting


bcenu

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I am working on a puzzle cache and found all the first clues - but need to translate the newly found coordinates from decimal minutes to decimal degrees. I do not understand even what that means, never mind how to do it. My GPS is a Garmin eTrex 20. Can anyone out there help me?

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Take the decimal minutes and divide by 60 and append the decimal to the degree. Here is a simple example so you get the idea Given 100 30.000

100 30.000 (DDD MM.mmm)

30/60 = .5000 (divide MM.mmm by 60)

100.5000 (your answer DDD.ddd)

 

edit to make comments consistent

 

Thanks for your prompt reply, but I think I asked the question wrong. I have coordinates of N44 79 102 and W106 96 791. I thought that was decimal minutes but apparently not. So how do I change those coordinates to decimal degrees?

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Try this excellent converter for Geocaching stuff.

 

Fizzycalc

 

It's what many of us use for this, if you want fast conversions. And it is free.

There are many other converters on line as well.

 

If you don't want to convert to normal format, you could also just switch the GPS to decimal degrees

That would be in the Settings, Units set to DD.ddddd, go back to DD MM.mmm when you want to.

 

Edit: added thought after re reading OP

 

Doug 7rxc

Edited by 7rxc
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Your gps should be set for the same format as the cache's coordinates, to make life simpler.

 

Help Center → Geocaching → Conversions

11.3. WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=208

 

Why do we use WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format?

 

Most GPS receivers are set coming out of the box with WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format. Using this setting will be less likely to confuse new GPS owners.

 

But if you want to convert coordinates, this Help Center article demonstrates the process:

 

Help Center → Geocaching → Conversions

11.2. Convert Decimal Coordinates to DDD MM.MMM

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=207

 

 

B.

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Your gps should be set for the same format as the cache's coordinates, to make life simpler.

 

Help Center → Geocaching → Conversions

11.3. WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=208

 

Why do we use WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format?

 

Most GPS receivers are set coming out of the box with WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format. Using this setting will be less likely to confuse new GPS owners.

 

But if you want to convert coordinates, this Help Center article demonstrates the process:

 

Help Center → Geocaching → Conversions

11.2. Convert Decimal Coordinates to DDD MM.MMM

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=207

 

 

B.

Link to comment

Your gps should be set for the same format as the cache's coordinates, to make life simpler.

 

Help Center → Geocaching → Conversions

11.3. WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=208

 

Why do we use WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format?

 

Most GPS receivers are set coming out of the box with WGS-84 and HDD(D)° MM.MMM Datum and Format. Using this setting will be less likely to confuse new GPS owners.

 

But if you want to convert coordinates, this Help Center article demonstrates the process:

 

Help Center → Geocaching → Conversions

11.2. Convert Decimal Coordinates to DDD MM.MMM

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=207

 

 

B.

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