Latitude and Longitude
Objectives:
-Understand vocabulary related to
latitude and longitude.
-Correctly use latitude and longitude.
Review
• Latitude and longitude are used for
________ location (absolute or
relative)
• That’s right—absolute location!
Why does a map need lines?
• Remember absolute location? It tells us how
to find the exact location of a place on earth.
• To do this, cartographers, or mapmakers, put
a grid over a map
Horizontal Lines
• Horizontal means sideto-side
– Horizontal lines on a map
are called latitude lines or
parallels
– Hint: these lines look like
rungs of a ladder, which
sounds like latitude
– The most important
horizontal line is the
Equator
Vertical Lines
• Vertical means up-anddown
– Vertical lines on a map
are called longitude lines
or meridians
– Hint: it would take a long
time to get from the
North Pole to the South
Pole
– The most important
vertical line is the Prime
Meridian (it runs through
Grenwich, England)
Where the Lines Meet
• Maps consist of both
horizontal (latitude) and
vertical (longitude) lines
• These lines intersect,
which means they cross
(think of an intersection
of two streets)
• The place where two
lines intersect is called
a coordinate
• The lines intersect at
right angles, which are
90 degree angles
How do I find latitude?
• Latitude = horizontal lines
• The most important horizontal line is
the equator, which is at 0 degrees
• Lines above the equator have a latitude
of ____ degrees north
• Lines below the equator have a latitude
of ____ degrees south
Let’s try finding latitude!
• Locate the equator (0 degrees).
• If it says N, move up that many
degrees.
• If it says S, move down that many
degrees.
• Let’s try a few examples on our handout.
Let’s try finding longitude!
• Locate the Prime Meridian (0 degrees).
• If it says east, move right that many
degrees.
• If it says west, move left that many
degrees.
• Let’s try a few examples on our handout.
Let’s put the two together…
• What happens if instead of
getting the coordinates and
finding the place, you see the
place and have to find the
coordinates?
• It’s a piece of cake!
• First, find the latitude line—
how many degrees is the
coordinate north or south of
the equator?
• Second, find the longitude
line—how many degrees is
the coordinate east or west
of the Prime Meridian?
• Now you have your
coordinate!
What happens if it’s between
lines?
• No problem! Just estimate!
• Let’s try a few examples on the handout.
The other way around…
• When given the coordinates for a place,
first find the latitude line.
• Next, find the longitude line.
• Move your fingers together until they
touch. You did it!
• Let’s try a few examples on our handout.
Let’s Review
• Latitude = horizontal lines, measure
distance north or south of the equator
• Longitude = vertical lines, measure
distance east or west of the Prime
Meridian
• Equator is a line of latitude (or a
parallel) located at 0 degrees
• Prime Meridian is a line of longitude (a
or meridian) located at 0 degrees