What is the process to convert 360 degrees to 180 degrees in Python?

In Python, converting a value representing an angle in a 360-degree system to a value in a 180-degree system, typically means mapping the range [0, 360) to the range [-180, 180). This is commonly needed when working with orientations or angles where the direction of the angle matters, not just its total rotation. The process mainly involves adjusting the input angle so that it falls within this specified range.

Here's how to achieve this conversion:

1. Modulo Operation:

- The first step is to use the modulo operator (%) to bring the angle within the range of 0 to 360 degrees (exclusive of 360). This ensures that all angles, whether large positive or negative, are properly situated within a full circle. For example, 370 becomes 10, and -10 becomes 350.

2. Adjusting to [-180, 180] Range:

- Once the angle is within 0 to 360, it’s necessary to shift it to the range -180 to 180. If the angle is greater than 180, you subtract 360 from it. This effectively maps the angles above 180 to their negative counterparts in the desired range. Angles 0-180 remain the same.

3. Python code Example:

def convert_360_to_180(angle):
angle = angle % 360 # Normalize the angle to [0, 360)
if angle > 180:
angle -= 360 # Map to the [-180, 180] range
return angle

# Example usage:
angle1 = 390
angle2 = -100
angle3 = 180
print(f"Original angle: {angle1}, Converted angle: {convert_360_to_180(angle1)}") # Output: Original angle: 390, Converted angle: 30
print(f"Original angle: {angle2}, Converted angle: {convert_360_to_180(angle2)}") # Output: Original angle: -100, Converted angle: -100
print(f"Original angle: {angle3}, Converted angle: {convert_360_to_180(angle3)}") # Output: Original angle: 180, Converted angle: 180

Explanation of the Code:

- The convert_360_to_180 function takes an angle as input.

- It uses the modulo operator to reduce the angle to the range of 0 to 360 (exclusive of 360).

- It then checks if the angle is greater than 180. If it is, it subtracts 360 to map it to its equivalent value within the range -180 to 180.

- The resulting angle in the -180 to 180 range is then returned.

This method effectively converts the angle from a 360-degree system to a 180-degree system suitable for various angular calculations, especially in computer graphics, robotics and navigation systems.

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