Convert "Decimal degrees (DD)" to "Degree Minutes and Seconds (DMS)" with Python

Often times, students may find themselves stuck on how to convert integers to degrees minutes and seconds (like i once was), surprising, it is one of the easiest task you'll learn on this post today.

Several methods can be used to accomplish this, the methods i'll discuss today include:

1. Simple mathematical calculator method (Casio calculator)
2. Manual method
3. Python Algorithm script

Steps.

1. Using Python Algorithm

>>> def DDtoDMS(value):

        #print "THE VALUE TO CONVERTIS : ", value

        D = float(value)

        D = int(D)

        #print(D)

        m = float(float(value) - int(D))

        #print(m)

        M = int(float(m*60))

        #print(M)

        S = round(((m*60)-M)*60, 2)

        #print(S)

        #print( "%rd %rm %rs" %(D,M,S))
A GUI python program of the above code can be downloaded HERE!

2.Manual Method

• For the degrees use the whole number part of the decimal
• For the minutes multiply the remaining decimal by 60. Use the whole number part of the answer as minutes.
• For the seconds multiply the new remaining decimal by 60

3. Using Casio calculator

• On your casio (fx xxx) scientific calculator, simply put ON the calculator and enter the Decimal values.
• Now press the black button on the third row and second column.
• Note: If it does not give the DMS, press the shift button before the DMS button.

Thanks for reading!