Lines of latitude (Fig. 1) are also called parallels because they run parallel to the equator. Lines of latitude measure distances north and south of the equator in degrees. The equator is measured at 0° latitude, while the poles north and south of the equator lie at latitude 90° N and 90° S. Although not all latitudes are shown on every map, every place does have a specific latitude.

Lines of longitude (Fig. 2), also called meridians, run from pole to pole, crossing the lines of latitude. These lines measure distances east and west of the prime meridian, which is at 0° longitude. Again, not all lines of longitude are shown on every map; however, every place does have a specific longitude.

As you can see geographers use a global grid (Fig. 3) to help them find the absolute location of a place. Lines of latitude, like the equator (Fig. 4), run east and west around the globe, and lines of longitude, like the prime meridian (Fig. 4), run north and south, meeting at the poles. These lines form a grid and are then used to find the absolute location of a place. Absolute location is one of the five themes of geography which will be discussed later in this lesson.

Lines of latitude, like the equator (Fig. 4), run east and west around the globe, and lines of longitude, like the Prime Meridian (Fig. 4), run north and south, meeting at the poles. These lines form a grid and are then used to find the absolute location of a place.