Lines of Latitude and Longitude

Today in class, we discussed the two reasons for maps and locations. The questions are Where are the people and activities found on Earth? and Why are they found there? Next we discussed maps. A map is a two-dimensional or flat- scale model of Earths surface. The two main things about maps are absolute and relative locations. Absolute location is the position as expressed in degrees, minutes, seconds of lines of latitude and longitude. A minute is 1/360 of a map divided by 60. A second is a minute divided by another 60. Relative location is the regional position or situation of a place relative to the position of other places. This reminded me of situation. Situation is used to compare similar locations as a helpful guide for better sense of directions. Next parts of a map is longitude and latitude lines. Longitude lines run North to South, 90 degrees either above or below the Equator. Latitude lines run East to West, 90 degrees either left or right of the Prime Meridian. That is what lines of latitude and longitude are.