Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude are imaginary lines used to locate places on Earth. They form a grid system that helps us pinpoint specific locations on the planet.

Latitude

Latitude lines run east-west and measure the distance north or south of the equator. The equator is the line of 0 degrees latitude, and it divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. As you move away from the equator, towards the poles, the latitude increases. The maximum latitude is 90 degrees, which is at the North and South Poles.

Longitude

Longitude lines run north-south and measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The Prime Meridian is the line of 0 degrees longitude, running through Greenwich, England. It divides the Earth into the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. The maximum longitude is 180 degrees, and is located on the opposite side of the Prime Meridian.

Study Guide

1. What is the main function of latitude and longitude lines?
2. What is the line of 0 degrees latitude called?
3. What divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
4. What is the line of 0 degrees longitude called?
5. What divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres?
6. What is the maximum latitude on Earth?
7. Where is the Prime Meridian located?
8. What is the maximum longitude on Earth?

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