Latitude & Longitude (Angular Distance on Earth)

Latitude & Longitude (Angular Distance on Earth) Latitude Latitude is the angular distance north or south of the Equator. It is measured in degrees (°). The Equator is 0° latitude. Values range from 0° to 90° North (N) and 0° to 90° South (S). Lines of latitude are also called parallels because they run parallel to the Equator. Longitude Longitude is the angular distance east or west of the Prime (Greenwich) Meridian. It is also measured in degrees (°). The Prime Meridian is 0° longitude. Values range from 0° to 180° East (E) and 0° to 180° West (W). Lines of longitude are called meridians and they meet at the poles. Importance of Latitude and Longitude They help us locate any place on Earth accurately. Used in map reading, navigation, aviation, and GPS. Important in geography, surveying, and meteorology.