Question

Geographers use latitude and longitude to determine what kind of location? A. absolute location B. elevation above sea level C. relative location D. seasonal location

Short answer

A. absolute location

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking about what type of location is determined by using latitude and longitude.

Identify the Definitions

Latitude and longitude are a coordinate system used to specify the exact position of a point on the Earth's surface.

Analyze the Options

A. Absolute Location: The precise location on the Earth's surface using specific coordinates. B. Elevation above Sea Level: Measure of height relative to sea level, unrelated to latitude/longitude. C. Relative Location: Location described in relation to another location, not using specific coordinates. D. Seasonal Location: Location relative to seasons, unrelated to latitude/longitude.

Choose the Correct Answer

Analyzing the options and the definitions, it is clear that latitude and longitude provide the exact coordinates of a specific place on Earth, which is known as Absolute Location.

Key concepts

absolute location

Absolute location refers to the precise, exact place on Earth where a specific point or landmark exists. This concept uses a set of coordinates, usually in the format of latitude and longitude, to pinpoint an exact spot. When we talk about absolute location, we mean a fixed point that doesn't change, regardless of its surroundings.
For example, the absolute location of the Eiffel Tower in Paris is 48.8584° N latitude and 2.2945° E longitude.
The coordinates provide a universal language, understandable anywhere in the world, to locate something precisely. This is different from relative location, which might describe how to get from one place to another, often based on landmarks or other reference points.

coordinate system

A coordinate system is a method for identifying the precise location of any point on the Earth's surface. This system is fundamental to geography, navigation, and many other fields.
In the context of latitude and longitude, the coordinate system divides the Earth into a grid. Latitude lines run horizontally, parallel to the Equator, while longitude lines run vertically, from the North Pole to the South Pole.
The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude (180 degrees east and 180 degrees west of the Prime Meridian) and 180 degrees of latitude (90 degrees north and 90 degrees south of the Equator).

• The Prime Meridian, located at 0° longitude, divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
• The Equator, at 0° latitude, divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Using the coordinate system, any location on Earth can be expressed numerically, which helps in mapping, navigation, and various global activities.

geographic coordinates

Geographic coordinates are a set of two numbers that describe a specific point on the Earth's surface. These numbers consist of:

• Latitude: Measures the distance north or south of the Equator. It ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles.
• Longitude: Measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. It ranges from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east or west.

These coordinates are typically given in degrees, minutes, and seconds, or in a decimal format.
The geographical coordinate of a place is like its 'address' on the Earth. This address never changes and provides a way to locate the specific position of a place or object.
For instance, New York City's approximate geographic coordinates are 40.7128° N (latitude) and 74.0060° W (longitude).
Understanding geographic coordinates is crucial for various purposes such as navigation, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS).