1. Understanding
Longitude & Latitude

2. Who here has ever used a grid before?

3. 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.

4. 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
Typical Graph
Y axis
X axis

5. 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)
Typical Graph Y
(3,8)
(9,5) X
(0,0)

6. East West, North South on The Earth
Let the X axis be the Equator.
Let the Y axis be the Prime Meridian that runs through Greenwich outside of London.
Lat/Long are the 2 grid points by which you can locate any point on earth. Y X

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

8. East West, North South 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. Any location north of the equator is a NORTH LATITUDE

10. Any location south of the equator is a SOUTH LATITUDE

11. Any location west of the prime meridian is a WEST LONGITUDE

12. Any location east of the prime meridian is an EAST LONGITUDE

13. East West, North South 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.
(N, W)
Prime Meridian

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

15. Latitude is the distance from the equator along the Y axis.
North pole = 90°N
South pole = 90°S
What is Latitude?
90°N Y X
90°S

16. What is Longitude?
Longitude is the distance East or West from the prime meridian along the X axis. Y X
180°W
180°E

17. The earth is divided into 360 equal slices (meridians)
What is Longitude?
The earth is divided into 360 equal slices (meridians)
180 west and 180 east of the prime meridian
This makes sense because a circle has 360 degrees/ Y X
180°W
180°E

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

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