Jesse Gentile (Copyright)
Spring, 2007
Target Audience: adults and
college age students.
Latitude and
Longitude
for Everyone!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY LONGITUDE AND LATTITUDE MATTER.................................... 2-5
(PRE-TEST) SEE IF YOU ALREADY KNOW THIS STUFF ...................... 6-7
LEARN HOW TO USE LATITUDE & LONGITUDE ................. 8-13, 15, 19
PRACTICE USING LATITUDE & LONGITUDE ............... 14, 16-18, 20-21
(POST-TEST) SEE IF YOU LEARNED ANYTHING .......................... 22-24
What this booklet teaches you:
 How to use longitude and latitude with



a variety of maps.
How to properly find and write
coordinates for any spot on earth.
How to find any spot given a set of
longitude and latitude coordinates.
The meaning of terms like
coordinates, degrees, meridians,
parallels, minutes &
seconds.
1
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
So.
Post Test
Why do latitude and longitude matter?
2
 Re-learn what you forgot.
Feel smart again.
So there you are, a competent adult,
parent or employee. You are good at what
you do. Your friends respect you. Yet for you
and most other people, there are basic skills
you learned in school that you just can’t
seem to remember how to do. You forgot
how to do them over the years, and now
you feel a bit embarrassed that a 7th grader
can do something you can’t. Longitude and
latitude tends to be one of those things.
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
 Know what to say when your kid
asks, “Mom, Dad; how does GPS
work?”
It’s going to happen; it’s only a matter of time. You can be the
parent that gives their kid a decent answer. GPS is spreading
like wild fire in its usage. It’s on phones, in cars, and will
probably be in watches and shoes soon.
Without latitude and longitude, GPS
would not work at all. Satellites in
space figure out where you are at,
but the way your exact location is
expressed is by using latitude and
longitude.
FUN QUESTION: How do you describe
an exact spot on a ball or sphere.
3
 If you think you’ll ever get into
flying or sailing; latitude &
longitude is a must.
How do you describe where you are
when out over the ocean? “Uh, airtraffic, I’m over water and I’m lost…”
“Coast Guard; I’m lost in my yacht
on the Atlantic. I just passed some
water..”
Even over the land,
describing your location is a
problem, if landforms are not known
to you or those over the radio.
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
Longitude and latitude will allow
you to pinpoint exactly where
you are without having anything
else around to base your location
off of.
 Latitude & longitude are how we
track satellites and hurricanes
…and incoming
missiles!
4

It’s how armies drop bombs with
precision accuracy to avoid
taking innocent lives.
Think about it; civilian casualties. There is only
one way to really avoid them: accuracy.
Soldiers must know exactly where a target is.
Without longitude and latitude, it’s all
guesswork.
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
It’s how we find sunken
treasure and old ruins.
 Think you’ll ever get into
wilderness orienteering, or
veterinarian work? Veterinarian..?
Did you know that veterinarians have
had to use latitude and longitude (via
GPS) to make maps of disease infested
flocks of birds.

Longitude and
latitude do
matter.
5
Pre-Test. You may know more than
you think!
DIRECTIONS: Take out the map packet and use it to answer the questions
below. Write your answers directly on this page. Do not change any
answers after writing them down.
1) Draw the correct cardinal (compass) directions
at each of the four points of the compass rose
to the right:
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn
1 of 14
Post Test
2) When looking at a map of the earth, do lines of
longitude run up and down (vertical) or side to side
(horizontal)?
3) Look at map #1 in the map packet. Which letter is closest to the prime
meridian?
4) Look at map #1 in the map packet. How many degrees east or west of
the prime meridian is letter G ?
5) Look back at map #2. How many degrees are there between each of
the horizontal (running left to right) lines?
6) Look at map #2. Which continent is located at the following coordinates:
(20’S, 60’W) ?
7) When you answered the question above; do you feel that you knew how
to find it or you sort of guessed using the information on the map?
a) I knew how to figure it out already.
b) I made an intelligent guess by looking at the map.
8) Look one more time at map #1. Write out the correct (approximate)
coordinates for letter F.
9) Which of the following coordinates is written correctly?
a) (40’, 60’) b) (N 40’, E 60’) c) (60’ E, 40’ N) d) (40’ N, 60’ E)
6
See how you did.
The answers to the questions on the pre-test are written below.
Check the box for whether you got each answer wrong or right.
Pre-test
N
1) Correct/ Incorrect
W
Why it
matters.
E
2) Correct/ Incorrect
S
Lines of longitude run vertically.
3) Correct/ Incorrect
Letter B is closest.
4) Correct/ Incorrect
Letter G is 150’ EAST of the prim mer.
(You must have both correct)
5) Correct/ Incorrect
There are 20’ between each line.
6) Correct/ Incorrect
South America.
7) Knew/ Guessed
No right or wrong answer.
8) Correct/ Incorrect
(15’ N, 135’ W) (If you are off a few
degrees, give yourself credit.
Something like (18’N, 130’W) would be
ok, or (20’ N, 130’W)
9) Correct/ Incorrect
The correct answer is d) (40’ N, 60’ E)
Learn
1 of 14
Post Test
7
Understand latitude & longitude!
Why it
matters.
X
Notice the X on the sphere to the left.
How in the world (no pun intended) would you
describe the “location” of that X ?
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
You can’t.
We are used to describing things
relative to other things.
Post Test
“I live on Main St.”
“Your house is behind the gas
station.”
“School is at the corner of First
Ave. and Beach St.”
On a ball like earth, out over the ocean, or wilderness, we can’t
describe our location relative to something else..
“Hello…
is this the Coast Guard?! My
ship is sinking.” Where am I at? Um…
I’m next to a lot of waves.
Longitude and latitude let you
describe your exact location
without refering to anything else!
8
Lines of longitude and latitude
make up an imaginary but useful
grid.
+
LATITUDE (Parallels)
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
=
LONGITUDE (Meridians)
Why it
matters.
Post Test
USEFUL GRID!
“Sigh... I can never
remember which is
which!”
Here’s a hint: Lat=flat Lines of latitude look like they lay
flat across the globe. Also, lines of longitude are LONG. Notice
how every line of longitude is a circle that goes around earth at its
widest point.
You try. Go ahead and label
each arrow as either longitude
or latitude. (Look above for help)
________________
________________
9
NEWS FLASH!!!
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Lines of longitude are called
meridians. Lines of latitude are
called parallels.
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
“Oh.. you want to know why?”
“…well…”
Lines of latitude are all
parallel… so they are
called “parallels.”
Prime means “first” or “main” so
the Prime meridian, is the meridian
that all the other lines of longitude
(meridians) are measured off of.
10
The equator and prime meridian are
the two most important lines.
Why it
matters.
When finding longitude and latitude we start at
the equator first.
Pre-test
Latitude is the number of degrees north or
south something is away from the equator.
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
How many
degree’s north of
the equator is the
X?
X
Answer: ________
(The answer is at the
bottom of the page).
8
How many
degree’s south of
the equator is the
number 8 ?
Answer: ________
(The answer is at the
bottom of the page).
North latitude ends at the North Pole. South latitude ends
at the South Pole. The North Pole is 90° north latitude.
The South Pole is 90° south latitude.
Latitude is always written first in a set
of coordinates, like this: (80° S, __ )
Answers: X is (30° N) latitude. The number 8 is (70° S) latitude
11
When finding longitude we start at the
prime meridian. The prime meridian is
zero degrees longitude. (0°).
Longitude is the number of
degrees east or west something is
away from the prime meridian.
Why it
matters.
0°
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
X
There are 180° of
longitude east and 180° of
longitude west of the
prime meridian.
Post Test
How many degree’s west
of the prime meridian is
the X?
Answer: ________
(The answer is at the bottom of
the page).
“Sigh… I can find the equator easily, but I always
have a hard time finding the Prime Meridian!”
Hint: The prime meridian is famous
for going through Greenwich,
England. Find England, and the line
of longitude that runs through it is
the Prime Meridian. (You could also
just look for 0 degrees)
Longitude is always
written second in a set
of coordinates, like this: (__ , 90° E )
Answers: X is (75’ W) longitude.
12
Putting it all together.
Ok, here is the right way to find a spot on earth if
you are given a set of coordinates
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Here is a set of coordinates: (45°N, 75°W)
Learn &
Try.
45’ North
(1) Start with the latitude first.
(2) First, put your finger on the equator.
(3) Go north 45° degrees latitude.
Post Test
75’ West
North
(4) Now locate the prime meridian.
(5) Go west 75° degrees longitude.
(6) Where they meet is the location of your
coordinates!
13
Practice makes perfect.
Find the correct answer, or the letter that matches the
coordinates listed below. Write your answers on this page.
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
1. What continent is at (20° S, 140° E)?
2. What letter is at (50° N, 30° W)?
3. What letter is at 10 degrees South latitude, 110 degrees west
longitude?
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
5. What degree measure would the line between 20° west and 60°
west represent?
6. Complete this phrase: The letter E is _____ degrees ______ of the
equator.
Answers are listed along the right side of the page.
Answers: (1) Oceana/Australia (2) D (3) A (4) B (5) 40’ (6) 30’ south
4. What letter is found at (0° N, 80° E)?
14
How do you find the coordinates if
you start with a location?
Lets start with the letter D on the map below.
Ask these four questions every time. Remember
them!
(1) “Is it north or south of the equator?” NORTH
(2) “How many degrees north?” Approx 50°
(You will often have to estimate.)
(3) “Is it east or west of the Prime Meridian?” WEST
(4) “How far west?” Approx 30° west
(5) Write the answer in coordinate form:
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
(50° N, 30° W)
Write latitude first then longitude second.
15
90°
More practice makes more perfect.
(There’s no such thing as “more perfect”)
Why it
matters.
Write out the longitude and latitude coordinates that go with
each letter listed below. Write your answers on this page
Pre-test
1. What are the coordinates for B ?
Learn &
Try.
2. What are the coordinates for E ?
Post Test
3. What are the coordinates for A ?
4. What are the coordinates for X ?
5. What are the approximate coordinates for Florida?
90°
90°
90°
90°
6. How many degrees can you travel away from the equator if
you go North or South?
7. What is the maximum number of degrees you could travel
either east or west away from the Prime Meridian?
Answers are at the top of the next page.
16
Answers: 1. (0’ N, 80’ E) 2. (30’ S, 180’ W), 3. (10’S, 110’W) 4. (90’S, 120’E), 5. (30’N, 80’W) 6. 90’ 7. 180’
LEARNING TO ESTIMATE IS A HELPFUL SKILL WHEN FIGURING
OUT LATITUDE & LONGITUDE COORDINATES.
Answer these questions (answers are on the next page):
(1) If “A” is at 10° South latitude, what is B at?
(2) What are the coordinates for C ?
17
Answers to previous page. (1) B is at 15° S. (2) C is (10°N, 30° E)
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
For some maps, you must use your imagination to
remember where the prime meridian and equator
are in relation to the map. (Let the letters W and N
by the degree markings guide your visualization)
Answer the following questions. Write the answers on this page.
1. Estimate the latitude for Vancouver, Canada: _______________
2. Estimate the latitude for Tallahassee, Florida: _____________
3. What are the coordinates for Denver, Colorado? ______ , ______
4. Based on what you can tell from the lines of latitude shown on
this map do you think the country of Mexico is mostly North or
South of the equator? This assumes you know Mexico’s shape.
Answers are on the top of the next page.
18
Answers to previous page. (1) 49°N (2) 31°N (3) (39°N, 105°W) (4) Mostly north.
“HEY! I have a question.”
Why it
matters.
Is there anything between lines of
latitude or longitude, or is there just blank space
between them?
Answer: Yes, more lines
of longitude and
latitude. Here is a
zoomed in map of
Massachusettes. First,
notice how you can see
the individual lines of
longitude: 70°W, 71°W,
72°W, etc.. .
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
Between the lines of longitude and latitude you can see more lines
measured in MINUTES. There are 60’ minute lines between each
degree line. There are 60” seconds between each minute line!
This topographical map is zoomed in close enough to see the
space between the minute lines of longitude!!
71°49’W
71°48’W
71°47’W
71°46’W
19
“Soldier! This is your final mission.
Why it
matters.
Label that map!”
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
Directions: Label all the lines of latitude and
longitude with their proper degrees (don’t
forget to add N, S, E, or W next to each).
Label the equator and Prime Meridian also.
Hint: Use what you know about the maximum number of lines of
parallels North & South of the equator as well as the maximum
number of meridians east and west of the prime meridian.
Answers will be on the next page.
20
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
Brilliant. You’re almost done…
21
Check your new skills out
here.
DIRECTIONS: Take out the map packet and use it to answer the
questions below. Write your answers directly on this page. Do not
change any answers after writing them down.
(1) Looking at map #2; is South America north, south, east, or west
of the Prime Meridian?
(2) Looking at map #1, how many degrees away from the prime
meridian is E?
A) 60° east
B) 0° north
C) 120° west
D) 150° east
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
(3) Looking at map #1, how many degrees away from the equator
is letter F?
A) 0° north
B) 15° north C) 140° west
D) 30° north
(4) Looking at map #1, state how many degrees are between any
two adjacent lines of longitude?
(5)What are the purpose of lines of longitude and latitude?
A) To guide ships in straight lines heading directly east, west,
north and south across oceans.
B) To divide the globe into an imaginary grid so we can
describe absolute locations on it.
C) To divide the world up into smaller grids so that geographers
can study earth in smaller sections at a time.
D) Longitude and latitude are not used any longer now that
we have GPS.
(6) How many degrees of latitude can you travel away from the
equator in any direction?
(7) How many degrees of longitude can you travel away from the
prime meridian in any direction?
(8) Using map #1, is letter B resting on a line of latitude or a line of
longitude?
22
Continued…
(9) In the coordinate set (55°N, 23°E) which coordinate represents
the longitude measurement?
(10) Looking at map #1, write out the location of letter E in
coordinate form.
(11) Using map #1, what letter is represented by these coordinates:
(45°N, 105°W)
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
Learn &
Try.
Post Test
(12) Looking at map #1, what is wrong with saying that letter C is
located at these coordinates? (N 30°, W 90°)
Well, how’d it go? Check your
answers on the next page.
23
Check your answers!
The answers to the questions on the pre-test are written below.
Draw an X next to each problem you got wrong.
1) S. America is west of the prime meridian.
Why it
matters.
Pre-test
2) A, 60 degrees East
Learn &
Try.
3) B, 15 degrees North
Post Test
4) Thirty Degrees.
5) B) To divide the globe into an imaginary grid so we can
describe absolute locations on it.
6) 90 degrees.
7) 180 degrees.
8) B is on a line of longitude.
9) (___, 23° E) is the longitude coordinate.
10)(5° N, 65° E)
11) Letter A.
12) Letter C is actually 30° SOUTH of the equator.
24