Absolute Location Introduction Lines of latitude and longitude

Absolute Location

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?

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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