Introductory Lecture on Latitude and Longitude

Introduction

• Final video of the introductory chapter.
• Transition to Chapter 1 of the textbook after this lecture.

Latitude and Longitude

• Basic coordinate system used to determine location on Earth's surface.
• Latitude: East-west grid lines; think of rungs on a ladder ("ladder-tude").
• Longitude: North-south lines; all lines are the same length.

Latitude

• Angular distance in degrees north or south of the Equator.
• Equator is 0 degrees; North Pole is 90 degrees North; South Pole is 90 degrees South.
• Latitude was traditionally measured by the position of stars (e.g., Polaris in Northern Hemisphere).
• Parallels: Lines of latitude start at the Equator (0 degrees) and increase in increments (15, 30, 45, 60 degrees, etc.).

Longitude

• Angular distance east or west from a starting line, usually the Prime Meridian.
• Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, England (0 degrees longitude).
• Maximum longitude is 180 degrees east or west.
• All meridians are equidistant and of equal length.
• Longitude measured using the time difference from the Prime Meridian.

Time and Longitude

• Earth rotates 360 degrees of longitude every 24 hours (15 degrees per hour).
• Accurate timekeeping (chronometer) is essential for determining longitude.
• The concept of measuring longitude via time differences was developed in the late 18th century.

Historical Context

• British Navy's competition in the 1700s to determine longitude.
• Resulted in the invention of the chronometer; subject of a book.

Map Representation

• Criticism of maps that center on North and South America, splitting other continents like Asia.

Conclusion

• End of the introductory chapter.
• Mention of the presenter's fashion choices as a light-hearted note.
• Progress update: 1/17th of the course completed.