Longitudes are imaginary lines that run from North to South on a map. The longitude of a place is the angular distance of that place measured in degrees. This distance is measured from the centre of the earth to the East or West of the Greenwich meridian called longitude 0°. Longitudes are also called Meridians. They meet at the North and South poles. There are 360° of longitude which is equal to 360° of a circle. Major longitude are;
- Longitude 0° - Greenwich Meridian
- Longitude 180° East or West - International date line
CHARACTERISTICS OF LONGITUDES
- They meet at the North and South poles.
- They run from North to South.
- They are measured in degrees, East or West of the Greenwich meridian.
- Lines of longitudes have equal lengths.
- Lowest longitude is longitude 0° and the highest longitude is longitude 180°.