October 1, 2025

What Is The Difference Between Longitude And Latitude

Q: Which line is at 0 degrees latitude?

The Equator is the imaginary line at 0 degrees latitude. It divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is the longest of all latitude lines.

Q: Which line is at 0 degrees longitude?

The Prime Meridian is the line of 0 degrees longitude. By international agreement, it runs through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, and divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Q: A common nickname for latitude lines is 'parallels,' what is a nickname for longitude lines?

Lines of longitude are often called 'meridians.' Each meridian connects the North Pole to the South Pole.

Q: Does moving one degree of longitude cover the same distance everywhere on Earth?

No, it does not. Since lines of longitude converge at the poles, the physical distance covered by one degree of longitude is largest at the Equator (about 69 miles or 111 km) and shrinks to zero at the poles.

Learn the key differences between longitude and latitude, the imaginary lines used in the geographic coordinate system to specify any location on Earth.

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Defining Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude are two coordinates that specify the position of any location on Earth. Latitude lines, called parallels, run horizontally (east-west) and measure distance north or south of the Equator. Longitude lines, called meridians, run vertically (north-south) and measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Section 2: Key Characteristics

The easiest way to distinguish them is by their orientation and properties. Lines of latitude are parallel to each other and decrease in length as they approach the poles. In contrast, lines of longitude are not parallel; they are all equal in length and converge at the North and South Poles.

Section 3: A Practical Example

The coordinates for Paris, France, are approximately 49° N latitude and 2° E longitude. The '49° N' tells you its position is 49 degrees north of the Equator. The '2° E' tells you its position is 2 degrees east of the Prime Meridian. Both are needed to pinpoint its exact location.

Section 4: Importance in Navigation and Science

This coordinate system is the foundation of modern cartography and navigation. GPS systems, aviation, and maritime shipping all rely on latitude and longitude to determine precise routes and locations. It is also essential in fields like climatology and geology to study phenomena at specific points on the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which line is at 0 degrees latitude?

Which line is at 0 degrees longitude?

A common nickname for latitude lines is 'parallels,' what is a nickname for longitude lines?

Does moving one degree of longitude cover the same distance everywhere on Earth?