Map Skills

Latitude & Longitude

Latitude

● Measures North and South● Runs East and West● Like the steps of a “Ladder”.● Lines of Latitude are called Parallels

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Latitude

● The Equator marks 0 degrees○ Everything North of the Equator measures North

latitude degrees○ Everything South of the Equator marks South latitude

degrees.● Lines of latitude never intersect (cross-over)● Comes first when writing coordinates

Longitude

● Measures East and West● Runs North and South● “Long” lines

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Longitude

● The Prime Meridian marks 0 degrees○ Everything West of the Prime meridian (until 180

Degrees) measures West longitude degrees○ Everything East of the Prime Meridian (until 180

Degrees) measures East longitude degrees● Lines of longitude do intersect (cross-over)● Comes second when writing coordinates

How to Use Latitude & Longitude

● Start with a World Political Map● Locate starting point of Latitude (Equator - 0 Degrees)● Using given coordinates, move your finger in the direction

of Latitude cardinal direction (EX: 30 Degrees North, move North of the Equator)

● Stop when you reach the number of degree given (EX: Stop at 30 Degrees North)

How to Use Latitude & Longitude

● Locate starting point of Longitude (Prime Meridian - 0 Degrees)

● Using given coordinates, move your finger in the direction of Longitude cardinal direction (EX: 120 Degrees West, move West of the Prime Meridian)

● Stop when you reach the number of degree given (EX: Stop at 120 Degrees West)

● Plot the point or locate the city