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This module introduces the fundamental concepts of geographic coordinates and how we use them to pinpoint any exact location on Earth. Because the Earth is a sphere, we do not measure global locations in miles or kilometers; instead, we use angles measured in degrees. You will learn the difference between Latitude (the parallel lines) and Longitude (the meridians), and how they interact to form a global grid. The module will also explore how degrees can be broken down into minutes and seconds for pinpoint accuracy, and why the Prime Meridian and the Equator serve as our global starting points.
By the end of this module, you will be able to read a set of coordinates, estimate its general location on the globe, and understand the mathematical language of digital mapping.
Globe with longitude and latitude coordinates
Since street addresses and landmarks do not exist everywhere on Earth, we need a reliable system to pinpoint exact locations. To solve this, map makers divide the globe using an invisible and intersecting grid.
By understanding how the lines in this grid cross each other, you can locate any specific point on the planet.
Let us break down the two halves of this grid:
Latitude: Measures how far North or South you are.
The Equator is the middle at 0°.
The North Pole is the very top at 90° N (and the South Pole is at 90° S).
Guessing Tip: If a coordinate is 45° N, you know you are exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole!
Longitude: Measures how far East or West you are. These lines run up and down and meet at the poles.
Because there is no natural middle of the Earth, the world agreed the starting line (0°) is the Prime Meridian, which runs right through England.
The exact opposite side of the world is 180°.
Guessing Tip: If a coordinate is 90° W, you are exactly halfway between England and the other side of the world.
One single degree covers a massive amount of ground (about 111 KMs). To find an exact building, we have to break degrees down into smaller pieces. You will usually see this written in two ways:
Old School (Minutes and Seconds): 43° 5' 50" N
Digital (Decimals): 43.097° N
Computer software like Google Earth prefers the decimal version because it is easier for machines to read!
Activity
Activity
💡 Actvity
💡 Actvity
Before relying entirely on a computer to map a location, a good spatial analyst can look at raw coordinates and estimate where in the world they point. You are going to test your spatial reasoning by guessing the locations of three mystery coordinates (in the Student Workbook), and then you will use Google Maps or Google Earth to verify them.
Things to consider:
Look at the Latitude first (North and South). If it is around 45° N, you are halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.
Look at the Longitude next (East and West). If it is around 90° W, you are halfway between England (the Prime Meridian) and the opposite side of the Earth.
Remember to type coordinates into Google Earth exactly as they appear (or use their decimal equivalents) to drop your digital pin.
Record your answer in your Student Workbook.
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