Absolute Location

1. Absolute Location

2. Introduction • Lines of latitude and longitude are a grid of imaginary lines that cross the Earth. • These lines help us to find exact locations on the Earths surface. • Why do you think latitude and longitude are important?

3. Latitude • Lines of latitude run around the earth from East to West, parallel to the equator. • The equator is an imaginary line that runs around the center of the earth from East to West. (like the Earth’s belt)

4. Longitude • Lines of longitude run around the earth from North to South. These lines are not parallel and will intersect at the north and south poles. • The prime meridian is considered the center line in dealing with Longitude.

5. Hemispheres • The Earth is divided into four hemispheres. • The equator divides the earth into North and South hemispheres • The prime meridian divides the earth into East and West hemispheres.

6. Hemispheres • Every location on Earth will be located in exactly two hemispheres. • Which hemispheres are we in?

8. How to read coordinates • Latitude and longitude are expressed using coordinates. • Coordinates are two numbers expressed in degrees (⁰). • Example: 40⁰N, 30⁰W is read as 40 degrees North, 30 degrees West

9. How to read coordinates • Things to remember… • Latitude always comes first • Longitude always comes last Now Let’s Practice!