Map Coordinates

Most people describe a location by using relative location.

To find the exact location of a place, use absolute location.

Always read the latitude first and then the longitude when giving the coordinates of a place.

Vocabulary Words

Relative location– description of a place using the relation of one place to another

Absolute location – description of a place using grid coordinates (latitude and longitude)

Geographic grid– the intersecting pattern formed by the lines of latitude and longitude

coordinates – the latitude and longitude address of a place on a map

lines of latitude (parallels) - imaginary lines on Earth that run parallel to the equator. {horizontal}

equator – an imaginary line that runs around the center Earth.

Lines of longitude (meridians) - imaginary lines on Earth that run between the North and South Poles. {vertical}

Prime Meridian – an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole of Earth at 0° longitude

Answers

1. Parallels or lines of latitude MONDAY 1. Parallels or lines of latitude 2. Meridians or lines of longitude

TUESDAY 1. There is an intersecting pattern formed by the lines of latitude and longitude 2. yes; the map shows a geographic grid of the lines of latitude and longitude

1. New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia WEDNESDAY 1. New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia 2. Tasmania

1. Darwin; about 12°S latitude, 131°E longitude THURSDAY 1. Darwin; about 12°S latitude, 131°E longitude 2. Canberra; about 36° latitude, 149° longitude

1. East Antarctica; by counting the number of grid squares FRIDAY 1. East Antarctica; by counting the number of grid squares 2. Weddell Sea; B1