What is the difference between latitude and longitude?

Latitude measures north-south positions on the Earth's surface. It consists of imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator, with the equator itself designated as 0 degrees latitude. As one moves away from the equator towards the poles, latitude increases, reaching up to 90 degrees at the North and South Poles. This system allows for the precise location of points in a north-south direction.

In contrast, longitude refers to the east-west positions and consists of lines that run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole. The Prime Meridian, which is defined as 0 degrees longitude, serves as the starting point for measuring distance east or west around the globe. The combination of latitude and longitude enables the identification of any location on Earth’s surface with accuracy.

Understanding these distinctions is fundamental to navigation and geography, as it provides a framework for mapping the world and locating places relative to each other.