Degrees, decimal minutes

[aw...@precisegeo.com]

Question for the group...

Does anyone know the value or the reason behind the lat/long format of degrees, decimal minutes (e.g., 31, 22.5481; -78, 23.6985) ? Most handheld GPS and GPS navigation devices are by default set to this format, which seems a useless hybrid between degrees, minutes, seconds, and decimal degrees.  Any feedback appreciated...

Thanks,

Alex Wood, GISP

Precision Geographic

480.688.2987

[Longcreative]

I don't know that it is useless. Just one of the ways to display lat/
long. Maybe it's default because it's a little easier to understand
for the base consumer? Don't most allow you to change the setting?

Here are some thoughts I found online.

http://www.nelageo.net/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=2&id=156&Itemid=54

Seems to say it has to do with accuracy and ease of use.

"An example would be if a cache is located at N32 32.550 W092 07.200
and your gps tells you that you are currently at the coordinates of
N32 30.001 W092 10.900, you can estimate quickly in your head how far
you are away."

All my best,
andrew