Python Coordinate Conversion Guide

1. Converting WGS84 to UTM using PyProj

The pyproj library is the standard for geodetic transformations in Python.

# pip install pyproj
import pyproj

# Define the WGS84 coordinate (Longitude, Latitude)
lon, lat = -74.0060, 40.7128

# Find the correct UTM Zone dynamically based on longitude
zone_number = int((lon + 180) / 6) + 1
utm_crs = f"+proj=utm +zone={zone_number} +ellps=WGS84"

transformer = pyproj.Transformer.from_crs("epsg:4326", utm_crs, always_xy=True)
easting, northing = transformer.transform(lon, lat)

print(f"Easting: {easting}, Northing: {northing}")

2. Converting Lat/Long to MGRS

For military grid reference systems, the mgrs library provides exact conversions.

# pip install mgrs
import mgrs

m = mgrs.MGRS()

# Lat, Lon format
mgrs_string = m.toMGRS(40.7128, -74.0060)

# Output: 18TWL 84800 12200 (approx)
print(f"MGRS: {mgrs_string}")

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