C# Break string into multiple parts

Question

I have the following string:

+53.581N -113.587W 4.0 Km W of Edmonton, AB

In C# is there anyway to break this string out into Long. Latt. and then city state and discare the middle part?

So basically I want 3 strings:

Long
Latt
Location.

Is this possible with multiple forms of this string? They are in the same formate but obviously the data would be different.

Thanks

Answer 1

Use a regular expression to accomplish this - something like:

string input = @"+53.581N -113.587W 4.0 Km W of Edmonton, AB";
Match match = Regex.Match(input, @"^(?<latitude>[+\-]\d+\.\d+[NS])\s+(?<longitude>[+\-]\d+\.\d+[EW])\s+\d+\.\d+\s+Km\s+[NSEW]\s+of\s+(?<city>.*?),\s*(?<state>.*)$");
if (match.Success) {
    string lattitude = match.Groups["lattitude"].value;
    string longitude = match.Groups["longitude"].value;
    string city = match.Groups["city"].value;
    string state = match.Groups["state"].Value;
}

Answer 2

Just like in all languages, it's possible with the power of the oh-so-awesome Regular Expressions.

If you are unfamiliar with Regular Expressions, I suggest you learn them. They're awesome. Seriously.

Here's a tutorial to get started with .NET regexps:

http://www.radsoftware.com.au/articles/regexlearnsyntax.aspx