Longitude vs. Latitude

Difference between longitude and latitude One of the most clear-cut definitions of Longitude and Latitude is that the…

Difference between longitude and latitude

One of the most clear-cut definitions of Longitude and Latitude is that the long lines stretching from the North Pole to the South Pole are known as Longitudes whereas the lateral lines spanning the globe between the East and West directions are called Latitudes.

Both the lines of Longitude and the Latitude are calculated by degrees. The central line on the globe lies at 0 degrees latitude and is known as the Equator. Similarly, the 0 degrees line of longitude passing through the Greenwich is referred to as the Prime Meridian. The highest extent of the longitude would be 180 degrees both towards the eastern and western directions. The latitude of 90 degrees located towards the North is known as the North Pole while the latitude of 90 degrees in the southern direction is referred to as the South Pole.

While all the lines of Latitude are located as parallel lines to the Equator, the lines of Longitude lie parallel to the Prime Meridian. The distance of one place from any other place is determined by the longitude of the place. It could be easily said that the longitude of a location is the distance from the Prime Meridian. In an identical manner, the calculation of the time difference can be established with the Greenwich Mean Time being considered as the basis. The lines of latitude are represented by the Greek sign of ‘Phi’, whereas the lines of longitude are symbolized by the Greek sign of ‘Lambda’.

The lines of Latitude are utilized to conclude the effect of the climate and weather conditions of a specific region. Therefore latitude is also used in the conclusion of the distances from the Equator and hence characterization of a region, like the Arctic or Tropic regions. The Latitudes are also used to decide upon the varying phenomena of the weather conditions.

In fact, Geographers have put both the longitude and latitude of the regions to their best advantage to settle upon the different attributes of the regions like distance, weather, time and climate along with other conditions.

 

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