Question

Give the importance of Longitudes and Latitudes.

Answer 1

Hint: The coordinate system of latitude and longitude can be used to determine and describe the position or location of any point on the Earth's surface. The intersection of longitude meridians and latitude parallels creates a framework or grid that can be used to identify precise positions in relation to the prime meridian and the Equator.

Complete answer:
On a globe or map, latitude refers to the distance north or south of the Equator. Technically, there are three types of latitude: geocentric, astronomical, and geographic (or geodetic), but the distinctions are minimal. Geocentric latitude is implicit in the majority of common references.

Longitude is calculated using the prime meridian at Greenwich, an imaginary north-south line that passes through both geographic poles and Greenwich, London. The amount of arc generated by drawing a line from Earth's centre to the intersection of the Equator and the prime meridian, and then another line from Earth's centre to any point on the Equator, is known as longitude.

The following are some of the reasons why longitude and latitude are important:
- Latitudes aid in the identification and location of the earth's primary heat zones.
- The distance from the equator to the north and south poles is measured in latitude.
- Understanding the pattern of wind circulation on the world surface is aided by latitude.
- The distance from the prime meridian to the west is measured in longitude.
- Longitude and latitude enable us use a single standard to measure both place and time.
- Longitude and latitude lines assist us in calculating distances from the Earth's Equator.
- Latitudes assist us in determining the distance of any location from the Equator based on its degree of latitude.
- Longitude and latitude assist us in determining the location of any point on the globe. The Global Positioning System, or GPS, uses these coordinates.

Note: Geographic latitude, on the other hand, which is utilised in mapping, is determined using a slightly different method. Geographic latitude is the arc subtended by the equatorial plane and the normal line that may be drawn at a given place on Earth's surface since Earth is not a perfect sphere—the planet's curvature is flatter at the poles.