1. Understanding
Latitude & Longitude

2. Typical Graph
This is an example of a typical graph we are all familiar with.
The graph is made up of different “points” with lines that connect the points.

3. Typical Graph Each point has two values:
The “X” value that runs along the horizontal “X” axis
The “Y” value that runs along the vertical “Y” axis
Y axis
X axis

4. Typical Graph X value is always stated first Followed by the Y value
The “origin” is the point where the 2 axes intersect with a value of (0,0)
(3,8)
(9,5) Y X
(0,0)

5. Typical Graph A point can also have negative (-) values
Negative X values are to the left of the origin (0,0)
Negative Y values are below the origin Y
(-X,+Y)
(+X,+Y)
(0,0) X
(-X,-Y)
(+X,-Y)

6. Equator and Prime Meridian
0o Longitude – Prime Meridian
0o Latitude - Equator
Let the X axis be the Equator.
Let the Y axis be the Prime Meridian that runs through Greenwich England
Lat/Long are the 2 coordinate lines by which you can locate any point on Earth.

7. North, South, East and West on the Earth
Let each of the four quarters then be designated by North or South and East or West.

8. North, South, East and West on the Earth
The N tells us we’re north of the Equator. The S tells us we’re south of the Equator.
The E tells us that we’re east of the Prime Meridian. The W tells us that we’re west of the Prime Meridian.
(N, W)
(N, E)
(S, W)
(S, E)

9. North, South, East and West on the Earth
That means all points in North America will have a North latitude and a West longitude because it is North of the Equator and West of the Prime Meridian.
What about New York?
(N, W)
Equator
Prime Meridian

10. North, South, East and West on the Earth
Equator
What would be the latitude and longitude directions in Australia? ?
Prime Meridian
If you said South and East , you’re right!

11. What is Latitude?
Latitude is the distance from the equator along the Y axis.
All points along the equator have a value of 0 degrees latitude.
North pole = 90°N
South pole = 90°S
Values are expressed in terms of degrees.
90°N Y X
90°S

12. What is Latitude? All latitude lines are parallel to the equator.Y
All latitude lines are parallel to the equator.
These lines are also called parallels. X
90°S

13. What is Longitude?
Longitude is the distance from the prime meridian along the X axis.
All points along the prime meridian have a value of 0 degrees longitude.
The earth is divided into two parts, or hemispheres, of east and west longitude. Y X
W E
180°
180°

14. What is Longitude?
Longitude lines are also called meridians but are NOT parallel to each other.
All longitude lines begin at the North Pole and end at the South Pole.

15. So how do we find a position on Earth?
The latitude line is named first along with its compass direction
Longitude is named next along with its compass direction
For instance – “A” is 20oS, 100oE

17. See If You Can Tell In Which Quarter These Coordinates Are Located
1. 41°N, 21°E
2. 37°N, 76°W
3. 72°S, 141°W
4. 7°S, 23°W
5. 15°N, 29°E
6. 34°S, 151°E A B D C

18. Let's See How
You Did!
1. B
2. A
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. D

19. See if you can find those same latitude/longitude locations on a map!

20. In Summary!

21. Positioning on the Earth’s Surface
East is the direction of rotation of the Earth
Equator
Latitude 0o
Latitude: (90oN to 90oS)
North Pole
South Pole
Prime Meridian
0o Longitude
Longitude: (180oE to 180oW)
Longitude 60o West
Longitude 30o West
Longitude 60o East
90o
Longitude 30o East
66½o
Latitude 23½o North
Tropic of Cancer
23½o
21st June
22nd December
22nd Sept
20th March
90oW
60oW
30oW
90oE
30oE
60oE
23½o
900
Latitude 23½o South
Tropic of Capricorn
Longitude 90o West
Longitude 90oEast
Latitude and Longitude together enable the fixing of position on the Earth’s surface.

22. Now you’re ready to find some locations on a map!