Latitude and Longitude

1. Latitude and Longitude

2. 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

3. Latitude (Continued) • travel east and west • all lines of latitude are parallel (called parallels)

4. Parallels     all lines of latitude are parallel (called parallels) • on maps parallels are shown 10 or 20 degrees apart • run from 0 to 90 degrees • The north pole is 90 degrees N • The South pole is 90 degrees S

6. 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

7. Divides the Earth into two hemispheres • Eastern Hemisphere • Western Hemisphere • parallels 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

9. 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