Key geography formulas
- Map scale: ground distance = map distance × scale denominator; for areas, multiply by the denominator squared. Map scale calculator
- Coordinates: 1° = 60 minutes = 3,600 seconds, so decimal degrees = degrees + minutes/60 + seconds/3,600. Coordinate converter
- Solar time: the Sun moves 15° of longitude an hour, or 1° every 4 minutes; places to the east see solar noon earlier. Solar time calculator
- Distance: 1° of latitude is about 111 km (69 mi) everywhere; 1° of longitude is 111 km at the equator and shrinks with the cosine of the latitude. World map
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are these tools for?
Students working on map skills and latitude-longitude problems, hikers reading topographic maps, and anyone who needs to convert GPS coordinates or look up a country's capital, time zone or size.
Can I use the results for surveying or legal documents?
The tools are for information and checking. For surveying, property boundaries or engineering work, rely on official survey data and a licensed surveyor.