Definition of Latitude and Longitude
Latitude and longitude are angular measurements used to specify positions on Earth's surface. Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, while longitude measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. These coordinates create a global grid, with latitude lines running parallel to the equator and longitude lines converging at the poles.
Key Principles of the Coordinate System
Latitude ranges from 0° at the equator to 90° at the North and South Poles, denoted as N or S. Longitude ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east or west. Both are measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds for precision. This system assumes Earth is a sphere, though modern adjustments account for its oblate shape.
Practical Example
The coordinates for New York City are approximately 40.7128° N latitude and 74.0060° W longitude. This pinpoint allows GPS devices to locate the city accurately, enabling navigation apps to provide directions from any starting point to landmarks like Times Square.
Importance and Applications
Latitude and longitude are fundamental in cartography, aviation, shipping, and environmental science. They support global positioning systems (GPS), climate modeling, and disaster response by enabling precise location tracking. Understanding them helps in studying time zones, weather patterns, and international boundaries.