Degree Converter Tool - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

This tool converts a column of data containing DMS coordinates to Decimal Decimals and Decimal Degrees to degrees/minutes/seconds. The Degree Converter tool is part of the toolset that ships with MapInfo Pro. It converts coordinate information to decimal degrees from a degrees, minutes, seconds (d/m/s) format. It can also convert the columns back to degrees, minutes, seconds from decimal degrees.

For information about how to add a tool to the Tool Manager, see Working with MapInfo Pro Tools.

For information about how to add a tool to the Tool Manager, see Working with MapInfo Pro Tools in the MapInfo Pro: Productivity Aids Guide.

Converting Degree/Minute/Second Coordinates into Decimal Degrees

The Degree Converter tool is part of the toolset that ships with MapInfo Pro. It converts coordinate information to decimal degrees from a degrees, minutes, seconds (d/m/s) format. It can also convert the columns back to degrees, minutes, seconds from decimal degrees.

Before using this program, make sure that there are two new columns available to hold the converted data. You can also use the Degree Converter to convert a single Latitude/Longitude coordinate to either decimal degrees or D/M/S. You can also run this program with the Run Program command, as well as any of the other tools in the Tools Manager.

If you are entering map coordinates in degrees, you must enter decimal degrees as opposed to degrees/minutes/seconds. For example, to specify the coordinates 40 degrees, 30 minutes, enter 40.5 degrees.

MapInfo Pro includes a MapBasic application, DMSCNVRT.MBX, which converts d/m/s coordinates into decimal degrees.

To convert degrees, minutes, seconds coordinates to decimal degree coordinates:

1. Run the Degree Converter tool to display the Decimal / Degree Converter (Version 1.3) window. See Running a Tool for details.
2. Select the table containing the columns for conversion.
3. Choose one of the columns containing the coordinate information. You have to run the program once for the longitude (X) column and once for the latitude (Y) column.
4. Enter the DMS Separator. You should be able to look at your table and identify the character separating the degrees, minutes, and seconds entries.
5. Choose the column for the converted results and click OK.
6. Browse your table to see the new column of coordinate information in decimal degrees. Repeat this procedure for your other coordinate column. You are ready to use the SPATIAL menu to click the Create Points command.