Latitude & Longitude

from JROTC.Org LATITUDE & LONGITUDE

In the Earth's reference system, the lines that run: east and west are called parallels of latitude because they are parallel with the equator. Each of these parallel lines forms a circle on the face of the earth. Each one is a constant distance north or south of the equator. the equator is latitude 0 degrees and the poles are located at 90 degrees latitude.

Lines running north and south, passing through the North and South poles, are called meridians of longitude. Meridians run perpendicular to the equator. The starting point, or 0 degree meridian, is the one passing through Greenwich, England. It is called the prime meridian. the prime meridian serves as the starting point of east-west measurement.