Learning about latitude, longitude and the equator. Map Elements Learning about latitude, longitude and the equator.

Latitude and Longitude The earth is divided into lots of lines called latitude and longitude.

Lines Longitude lines run north and south. Latitude lines run east and west. The lines measure distances in degrees. Longitude Latitude

Where is 0 degree? Equator The equator is 0 degree latitude. It is an imaginary belt that runs halfway point between the North Pole and the South Pole. Equator

Where is 0 degree? The prime meridian is 0 degrees longitude. This imaginary line runs through the United Kingdom, France, Spain, western Africa, and Antarctica. E M I R P N A D

Hemispheres By using the equator and prime meridian, we can divide the world into four hemispheres, north, south, east, and west.

Review of Latitude and Longitude Latitude and longitude measure distances on the earth's surface in degrees. Latitude and longitude start with two lines: the equator and the prime meridian. Latitude measures the distances north or south from the equator. Longitude measures distances east and west from the prime meridian. Every place in the world has its own latitude and longitude. It is like having an address in a very big community.