Using Latitude and Longitude to Locate Places
Latitude and longitude can be used to locate areas on a map or globe. Every spot on the surface of the Earth has a particular line of latitude that passes through it. This is known as the latitude of that place. Also, every place in the world has a particular line of longitude which passes through it. This is known as the longitude of that place.
Together, the latitude and longitude of a place are known as the coordinates of that place. No two places in the world have exactly the same coordinates. Therefore, if you are given the coordinates, such as 18 degrees North, 77 degrees West, you can easily find that exact point on a map or globe. For instance, St. Lucia is located at about 14 degrees North and 61 degrees West.
Click the link below to open Google Maps. You can right click anywhere on the map and see the coordinates of that place. If you are using a tablet, zoom in and then hold your finger down on a spot and the coordinates will be displayed.