GIS: Latitude, Longitude and Map Projections

Summary

Students will look at latitude and longitude from a global perspective and identify the location of significant lines of latitude and longitude (equator, prime meridian, etc). Also students will look at map projections and great circle routes.

Materials

• ArcVoyager software
• Data files (download and unzip the lat_long.zip attachment)

Instructional Procedures

Introduction

Latitude and longitude is one of the ways we can locate anything, anywhere on earth. This coordinate system divides the planet with imaginary parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. Latitude and longitude are measured in degrees either going north or south of the Equator (0o latitude) or going east or west of the Prime Meridian (0o longitude).

Objective

This exercise focuses on basic latitude and longitude concepts. Students will look at latitude and longitude from a global perspective while learning the location of some of the more significant lines of latitude and longitude.

You will need to download the Step-by-Step Instructions attachment and distribute it to your students. It provides clear directions for completing this activity.

Extensions

Bibliography

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