Latitude and Longitude: Find Any Place on Earth
Quick Answer
Learn how latitude and longitude work, how to read coordinates, and how they identify any place on Earth.
- Topic: Navigation
- Best use: fast reference, learning, and clear communication.
- Updated: 2025-08-11
Latitude and longitude are a coordinate system for locating any point on Earth. Latitude measures north and south of the equator. Longitude measures east and west of the prime meridian.
Reading Coordinates
Coordinates can be written in decimal degrees or degrees, minutes, and seconds. A positive latitude is north; a negative latitude is south. A positive longitude is east; a negative longitude is west.
Navigation Use
Coordinates help maps, GPS receivers, aircraft, ships, and emergency responders describe precise locations.