Introduction to Latitude and Longitude

 The lines that run east and west, parallel to the equator, are called lines of latitude. These lines are written in degrees north and south of the equator. Each degree of latitude is divided into 60 minutes and each minute into 60 seconds. One degree of latitude measures about 69 miles on the earth's surface. The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, while the North Pole is at 90 degrees North and the South Pole is at 90 degrees South. These degree readings are based on measurements of the angle of the North Star above the horizon at that place. Therefore when visiting the equator the North Star is located at the horizon (0 degrees angle) and if at the North Pole the star is directly overhead (90 degrees angle).