How can I convert Google Maps coordinates for GPS metadata in Adobe Bridge CS6?

Asked 12/10/2012

6 views

2 answers

0

I want to add GPS metadata to photos in Adobe Bridge/Photoshop CS6. Google Maps gives me coordinates in decimal degrees, for example -79.06782, but Bridge shows an error saying it expects latitude in the form dd,mm.mmmmN or dd,mm.mmmmS. How do I convert Google Maps coordinates into the format Bridge accepts?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

4

To convert a decimal longitude or latitude to degrees (minutes and seconds), simply take the first, whole, number and use it as the degrees. Then multiply the remainder after the decimal point by 60 to get minutes. Continue multiplying the remainder of the minutes by 60 to get seconds of degrees.

Your example of -79.06782 would then be:

-79 degrees

.06782 x 60 = 4.0692 = 4 minutes

.0692 x 60 = 4.152 = 4.152 seconds

Combine all three sets of number for -79 degrees, 4 minutes and 4.152 seconds.

Or, you can use the handy calculator provided by the FCC at:

http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/DDDMMSS-decimal.html

Edit: To clarify using these values, I don't have Bridge, but I would think Lightroom works the same and it accepts pasting the values directly into the GPS meta data box as such:

38°36'56"N -79°4'4.1512"W

To get the degree symbol on Windows, hold down the ALT key and type the numbers 0176.

For a Mac, press SHIFT - OPTION - 8 keys

Originally by user13736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user13736

13y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. Google Maps usually gives coordinates in decimal degrees, while Bridge wants degrees and decimal minutes with a compass direction.

Bridge expects values like:

  • latitude: dd,mm.mmmmN or dd,mm.mmmmS
  • longitude: ddd,mm.mmmmE or ddd,mm.mmmmW

To convert from decimal degrees:

  1. Take the whole number as degrees.
  2. Multiply the decimal remainder by 60 to get minutes.
  3. Use N/S for latitude and E/W for longitude based on the sign.
    • positive latitude = N, negative = S
    • positive longitude = E, negative = W

Example: -79.06782

  • degrees = 79
  • minutes = 0.06782 × 60 = 4.0692
  • negative longitude means W

So in Bridge, enter: 79,4.0692W

Another example from the community answers: 38.01874638,1.1248N -121.26266121,15.7596W

If needed, online coordinate converters can do this for you. Some Adobe tools and GPS workflows may also use GPX files, but for manual entry in Bridge, converting to degrees + decimal minutes is the key.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

Your Answer