Instructions
Read the information below about latitude and longitude. Then answer the questions that follow.
Latitude and Longitude
Latitude and longitude are the coordinates used to determine the exact location of a point on Earth. Latitude lines run horizontally, measuring how far north or south a location is from the Equator (0° latitude). Longitude lines run vertically, measuring how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian (0° longitude).
Key Points:
- Latitude ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles.
- Longitude ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east and west.
- Coordinates are expressed in degrees (°) and can be written in decimal or degrees/minutes/seconds format.
Questions:
1. What is the latitude of the Equator?
2. What is the range of latitude values?
3. Describe the difference between latitude and longitude.
4. What is the longitude of the Prime Meridian?
5. If a location has coordinates of 34° N, 118° W, what city might it be near?
6. Write the coordinates of a place you have visited, including both latitude and longitude.
7. Why is understanding latitude and longitude important for navigation?