Create a special column for North/South. For example we use cell J1 and put a formula =IF(C2<0,”South”,”North”. The formula means that if LATitude values are below 0 (null), then fill South, otherwise fill North.
The formula in the picture is in Bahasa Indonesia. Just replace the formula with =IF(C2<0,”South”,”North”
After storing the positive/negative information, we can convert LAT values into their absolute. We can add a new column between C and D. Then fill a formula =abs(C2). The formula says that if the value is positive, then as it is, if otherwise make it positive.
Copy the cell and formula down.
Here is the result
Note: LU means North, LS means South
This tutorial is designed to deal with positive/negative problem in latitude values for better understanding. Is it too complicated using MS Excel for converting DD into DMS? Perhaps yes. However, once you created a table, you can use it as the a master for further conversion.
