LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE

Geographic coordinates (usually given in latitude and longitude) can be reported in a number of formats. Historically the degrees-minutes-seconds system predominated, as it corresponded with markings on most paper charts. Computerized mapping applications have made decimal degrees more popular.

Latitude is always given first; in most cases use symbols and give the latitude and longitude in either decimal degrees or degrees and minutes (rarely is it necessary to give seconds).

For decimal degrees:

            72.90° N, 165.88° W

Rounding to two places after the decimal is appropriate for most uses.

For degrees, minutes:

            latitude 72° 54' N, longitude 165° 53' W

            72° 54' N, 165° 53' W (note spaces and comma)

            21° N; 21° north; 21° north latitude

            the 90th meridian of east longitude

            the 81st parallel of north latitude