Convert Coordinate Notation

PaulDoherty3 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 05:49:32 GMT

How could I have missed such a useful tool that has been in ArcMap since 10.1?

ArcGIS Pro Convert Coordinate Notation—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS for Desktop

ArcMap Convert Coordinate Notation—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

This can save you a lot of time, especially for those of us working with aircraft that use degrees decimal minutes (DDM). When I was a Ranger in Yosemite I used to do all of the equations in Excel to make it work, but that is not really optimal.

Example - You get an Excel spreadsheet of helicopter landing locations or local placenames in DDM but need to plot it on a map. ArcGIS and most mapping software are driven by databases and really prefer to plot decimal degrees (DD) or grid based coordinates (USNG / MGRS, UTM, etc.).

Use Excel to Table to create a table we can use in ArcGIS Desktop / ArcGIS Pro Excel To Table—Conversion toolbox | ArcGIS for Desktop

2. Use the Convert Coordinate Notation Tool Convert Coordinate Notation—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS for Desktop

This tool will plot your points (if geometry is correct) on the map and add the fields in your new coordinate format.

3. (Optional) Publish it as a web map! Share a web map—ArcGIS Pro | ArcGIS for Desktop

4. (Optional) Use a web mapping application to allow the team to correct existing locations and add new ones to the layer (so you don't have to geocode the spreadsheet next time!). I would suggest Web AppBuilder or the very simple Edit configurable template. Create apps from maps—ArcGIS Online Help | ArcGIS

Example: http://arcg.is/2cBm4OB

Please leave me some feedback below if any of this is unclear or if you find this tip helpful.

topic Convert Coordinate Notation in Public Safety Questions

Convert Coordinate Notation