Basic Geography Review

Absolute & Relative Location

Lines of Latitude

• Lines are flat– “Flatitude”

• Measure 0° at equator to 90°N at North Pole to 90° S at South Pole

• Run parallel to the Equator

0°

90° N

90° S

• Lines are “long,”• Measure from 0° at Prime Meridian to

180° W and 180°E• Run parallel to the Prime Meridian

0° 180° E180° W

Absolute Location• Found by intersecting latitude and longitude lines• Splits the world into hemispheres

– (__°S, __°E) = SE hemisphere– (__°S, __°W) = – (__°N, __°E) = – (__°N, __°W) =

• Tips for success:– Follow the curve of the lines– It often requires you to use more than one page in the

atlas• Start on the world map, then move to the appropriate continent

• Example– (3°S, 37°E)

Relative Location

• Describing a place in relation to another– Use of landmarks, street signs, towns

• “1/2 easy mile south of Suppesville”