Longitude

Definition

Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees, with lines of longitude running from the North Pole to the South Pole, and is essential for navigation and mapping, helping to pinpoint locations accurately when combined with latitude.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Longitude is expressed in degrees ranging from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east and west.
2. Lines of longitude are also known as meridians and are not parallel; they converge at the poles.
3. The measurement of longitude was historically challenging until the invention of accurate marine chronometers in the 18th century.
4. Longitude helps determine local time zones since each hour corresponds to a 15-degree shift in longitude.
5. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology relies on latitude and longitude coordinates for precise location tracking.

Review Questions

• How does understanding longitude enhance navigation and mapping techniques?
  • Understanding longitude is crucial for navigation and mapping because it provides an east-west reference point that works with latitude. Together, these coordinates allow for precise location identification on Earth's surface. This is especially important for sailors and aviators who rely on these measurements to chart courses across vast distances.
• Discuss the historical significance of measuring longitude and its impact on global exploration.
  • The ability to measure longitude accurately was a significant breakthrough in navigation that impacted global exploration during the Age of Discovery. Before reliable methods were developed, sailors faced perilous conditions due to their inability to determine their precise location at sea. The invention of the marine chronometer by John Harrison allowed navigators to calculate their longitudinal position accurately, leading to safer and more effective sea voyages that expanded trade routes and territorial claims.
• Evaluate the implications of technological advancements like GPS on how we understand and utilize longitude in modern contexts.
  • Technological advancements such as GPS have revolutionized our understanding and utilization of longitude by providing real-time location data that is incredibly accurate. This has transformed various fields, including transportation, urban planning, and disaster management. The reliance on longitude through GPS allows for seamless navigation in daily life while raising questions about privacy and data security as our locations become increasingly trackable in a digital world.

Related terms

Latitude:

A geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the equator.

Prime Meridian:

The zero-degree line of longitude that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, running through Greenwich, England.

Geographic Information System (GIS):

A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data, often utilizing coordinates like latitude and longitude.