Latitude is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, and the North Pole is at 90 degrees latitude. The South Pole is at -90 degrees latitude.
Longitude is also measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The prime meridian is at 0 degrees longitude, and the 180th meridian is at 180 degrees longitude. The 180th meridian is also known as the "International Date Line."
By using latitude and longitude coordinates, we can identify any location on the surface of the Earth. For example, the GPS device in your phone uses latitude and longitude coordinates to show you your position on a map.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between latitude and longitude:
| Feature | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Measures the position of a point north or south of the equator | Measures the position of a point east or west of the prime meridian |
| Range | -90 degrees to 90 degrees | -180 degrees to 180 degrees |
| Reference point | Equator | Prime meridian |
| Units of measurement | Degrees, minutes, seconds | Degrees, minutes, seconds |
| Application | Identifying locations on the Earth's surface, navigation, mapping, etc. | Identifying locations on the Earth's surface, navigation, mapping, etc. |
