What are latitude and longitude?
Latitude and longitude are angular geographic coordinates used to locate positions on Earth.
Definition and processes
Core concept Latitude measures angular distance north or south of the equator from 0 to 90 degrees. Longitude is measured east or west from a prime meridian, from 0 to 180 degrees. Both numbers locate a point. How it is studied Coordinates can be written in degrees-minutes-seconds or decimal degrees. A map or GPS reading should specify hemispheres and its geodetic datum; differing datums can slightly shift a plotted position.
Applications and caveats
Why it matters They support mapping, navigation, locating remote areas and coordinating emergency response. Precision depends on both written digits and the accuracy of the original measurement. Common misunderstandings One degree of longitude has different ground lengths at different latitudes and narrows toward the poles. Latitude and longitude alone do not provide elevation.