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Latitude and Longitude Map Notes. Map vs. Globe. GLOBE- three dimensional model of the Earth It correctly shows the shapes and sizes of features on Earth. Earth is NOT a perfect sphere! Slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the Equator Actual Shape: Oblate Spheroid.
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Map vs. Globe • GLOBE- three dimensional model of the Earth • It correctly shows the shapes and sizes of features on Earth. • Earth is NOT a perfect sphere! • Slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the Equator • Actual Shape: Oblate Spheroid
Map vs. Globe • MAP-a flat model, or drawing of the Earth’s surface. • Maps show more detail about various things such as locations, distances, streets, buildings, weather, and even soil type.
Map Distortions • Taking a round object and making it flat causes errors or DISTORTIONS. • Distortions can occur in size, shape, or distances. • Mercator Projections-Cause more distortions the farther away from the equator/closer to the poles.
Latitude & Longitude • Using latitude and longitude coordinates gives more precise locations. • Who uses latitude and longitude? Examples: surveyors and military • Latitude and Longitude are measured in units known as degrees. • One degree of Latitude is approximately 70 miles on Earth’s surface. • One degree of Latitude is 60 minutes. • One minute of Latitude is 1.16 miles.
Latitude • The distance in degrees, NORTH or SOUTH of the Equator. • Equator is 0⁰ and divides the Earth into hemispheres. • Imaginary latitude lines run from the East to West. • Aka- “Parallels” • Highest latitude- 90⁰N • Lowest latitude- 90⁰S
Longitude • The distance in degrees EAST or WEST of the Prime Meridian. • Prime Meridian is 0⁰ and runs through Greenwich, England. • Lines run from North to South and curve! • Aka- “Meridians” • Highest longitude is 180⁰ • The opposite side of Prime Meridian is the International Date Line or aka the 180th meridian.