Directions: Read the section below that explains Location on a map. Read about longitude and latitude. When you are finished print out the worksheet for this page and answer the questions. This worksheet will be the first page of your geography portfolio.
Locations on The Earth - The Coordinate System
Degrees, Latitude, & Longitude
You're probably aware that angles are generally measured in degrees (such as 90 degrees for a right angle). Did you know that circles and spheres are also measured in degrees? Circles and spheres can be divided into 360 degrees, as shown in this illustration. The earth, as represented on globes and maps, is divided into 360 degrees. This division makes it easier to locate places. 
Look at the horizontal (latitude) and vertical(longitude) lines drawn across the map below. Lines of latitude run east-west, while lines of longitude run north-south. Latitude and longitude are expressed as coordinates, or numbers. Each number represents the number of degrees north or south of the equator (for latitude) or east or west of the prime meridian (for longitude). For example, Chicago, Illinois is located at approximately 42ºN 87º W, and Sydney, Australia is at approximately 34ºS, 151ºE. 
Print Out the Worksheet for this page before proceeding to this PowerPoint Click Here for A PowerPoint presentaion to help you understand maps. Do not do all the activities in the PowerPoint. Only use it to answer the questions on your work sheet.
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