Location
Unit 1 Lesson 3
1
Relative Location
Relative Location: location on earth’s surface in
relation to other places.
Landmarks
2
Absolute Location
Absolute Location: exact point on the earth’s
surface.
The point at which latitude and longitude cross.
3
Measuring the Earth
The earth is a sphere (360 degrees).
Geographers use absolute location to identify the
degrees north or south and east or west.
They use a series of imaginary lines that encircle
the globe.
4
Latitude and Longitude
The two main lines are the equator and the prime
meridian.
These lines form a system of latitude and
longitude.
This system allows you to locate yourself
anywhere on the earth.
5
The Grid System
The Equator
The Prime Meridian
6
The Equator
Equator: the center line of latitude.
Divides the earth into the northern and southern
hemispheres.
0 degrees latitude.
The lines north of the equator have an N after the
number.
The lines south of the equator have an S after the
number.
7
Important Lines of Latitude
Notice how the numbers increase the further from the equator you get.
8
The Prime Meridian
Prime Meridian: center line of latitude.
Divides the earth into eastern and western
hemispheres.
0 degrees longitude
The lines East of the Equator have an E after the
numbers.
The lines West of the Equator have a W after the
numbers.
9
10
Notice how the line isn’t straight…there’s a reason for that.
11
International Date Line
180 Degrees.
Opposite of the Prime Meridian.
Indicates the start of each day.