Different coordinate input formats are used to represent the location of a point on the earth's surface. The most commonly used formats are Decimal Degrees (DD), Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS), and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Each format has its own advantages and is used for different purposes such as navigation, mapping, or surveying.
In Hortis, coordinates can currently only be inputted using the Decimal Degrees format. To input coordinates, tap “Use coordinates” below the map.
In Decimal Degrees format, latitude is represented by a number between -90 and 90, with positive values representing north of the equator and negative values representing south. Longitude is represented by a number between -180 and 180, with positive values representing east of the Prime Meridian and negative values representing west.
Copy your latitude and longitude values into the corresponding fields in Hortis. If your coordinates have North and South (N or S) and East and West (E or W) indicators to show the direction of latitude and longitude, these will need to be edited to positive or negative values only. Note that the degrees symbol cannot be used in these fields.
For example: 51.4781° N, 0.2956° W = 51.4781, -0.2956.
You can also click “Use map” to verify your coordinates are positioned as expected.
If you are unsure about how to convert other formats into Decimal Degrees, here are a couple of useful resources:
- https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/number/degrees-minutes-seconds-to-degrees.html
- https://coordinates-converter.com/en/decimal/51.000000,10.000000?karte=OpenStreetMap&zoom=8
We will provide support for other formats such as Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS) and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) later this year.