Coordinates and Active911
Active911 uses latitude and longitude in decimal degrees and the WGS84 datum. To accurately capture and import map data into =
Active911, you need to make sure your data is in this format.
Almost all GPS units allow you to select the datum and coordinate format=
. If your coordinates are in a format other than decimal degrees, you will =
need to convert them to decimal degrees. The following formula can be used =
to convert minutes and seconds to decimal degrees.
Decimal degrees =3D Degrees + Minutes/60 + Seconds/3600=
For those who are new to this process, You can open your data in MS Exce=
l, Calc, or what ever spreadsheet editor you prefer. Transform the data to =
return degrees, minutes, and seconds in their own column, typically using a=
test to column tool. Now just replace the words 'Degrees', 'Minutes', and =
'Seconds' with the corresponding cells numbers and put this formula into co=
lumns for latitude and longitude to the right of your existing data and cop=
y down. You need to do this for both latitude and longitude. The two result=
ing columns will have your data in the decimal degrees that Active911 uses.=
To double check, put a few coordinate pairs into Google Maps to see if the=
y map correctly.
Remember that Western longitudes need to be negative since they =
are to the left of the prime meridian
For further information, see G=
eographic Coordinate Conversion.