Latitude and Longitude

What is Latitude?

Lines of latitude are imaginary lines that run completely around the globe

full circles

start at the equator at 0 degrees

divides the earth into two hemispheres

a.     Northern Hemisphere

b. Southern Hemisphere

Latitude (Continued)

travel east and west

all lines of latitude are parallel (called parallels)

Parallels

    all lines of latitude are parallel (called parallels)

• on maps parallels are shown 10, 15 or 20 degrees apart

• run from 0 to 90 degrees

• The north pole is 90 degrees N

• The South pole is 90 degrees S

What is Longitude

Lines of longitude are imaginary lines that run completely around the globe

full circles

Start at the Prime Meridian at 0 degrees

The Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich, in East London.

Other Prime Meridians have been used

Divides the Earth into two hemispheres

Eastern Hemisphere

Western Hemisphere

lines travel north and south

run from 0 to 180 degrees

shown on maps at 10 or 20 degrees

Ex. 20 degrees W, or 20 degrees E

What is the Purpose?

Latitude and Longitude together make a grid to help you locate your position on the Earth’s surface

For example Woodland Hills High School sits approximately at 40°26’19”N 79°50’13”W

This reads as “40 degrees, 26 minutes,19 seconds north and 79 degrees, 50 minutes,13 seconds west

Each degree is divided into 60 minutes

Each minute is divided into 60 seconds

Cardinal and Ordinal Directions

Cardinal directions

North, South, East, West

How to remember?

Never Eat Sour Watermelons (in a clockwise circle)

Ordinal Directions

Northeast

Southeast

Southwest

Northwest