"ABSOLUTE LOCATION" CROSS - CURRICULAR FOCUS: HISTORY / SOCIAL SCIENCES.

"ABSOLUTE LOCATION" CROSS - CURRICULAR FOCUS: HISTORY / SOCIAL SCIENCES.

Navigators use lines of latitude and lines of longitude to locate places. Lines of latitude run east and west (sideways, or horizontally) around Earth. Lines of longitude run north and south (up and down or vertically around Earth. These lines create kinf of an imaginary graph paper on the Earth. They make it possible to find an absolute location on Earth.

When we use lines of latitude and longitude together, we can get a very precise location. If we want to identity the absolute location of a point, we look where the latitude and longitude lines cross nearest to that point- We use the coordinates for that point as its address. Many maps today include degrees of latitude and longitude. Another tool that help us navigate is the magnetic compass.

Asnwer the following questions.

1.- What is the function of lines of latitude and longitude?

To allow us to find an absolute location of a point on Earth.

2.- Which imaginary lines run north and south?

Longitude

3.- Which imaginary lines are based on the Equator?

Latitude

4.- Explain what is meant by an absolute location.

It is an adress of longitude and latitude of a place on Earth.

5.- In your opinion, which invention was more important: The astrolable or the magnetic compass? Why?

The magnetic compass is the most important advance in navigation because it allowed mariners to determine their direction even if clouds obscured their usual astronomical cues such as the North Star.