What is the correct conversion from DMS to decimal degrees for 31°49′11.21″ N?

To convert from Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (DMS) to decimal degrees, you need to use the formula:

Decimal Degrees = Degrees + (Minutes/60) + (Seconds/3600)

In this case, we have 31 degrees, 49 minutes, and 11.21 seconds. Plugging these values into the formula gives us:

1. Start with the degrees: 31

2. Convert the minutes to decimal: 49 minutes ÷ 60 = 0.8166667

3. Convert the seconds to decimal: 11.21 seconds ÷ 3600 = 0.0031138889

Now, you add these three components together:

31 + 0.8166667 + 0.0031138889 = 31.81978056

Rounding that value gives you 31.819781° N, which is the result corresponding to the correct answer choice. This conversion process ensures accurate representation of geographic coordinates in a format that allows for straightforward use in various applications, including mapping and spatial analysis.