Explanation: In geography, the Earth is divided into a grid system using lines of latitude and longitude. These lines help in pinpointing the exact location of any place on the Earth's surface.
**Latitudes** are the horizontal lines that run parallel to the equator. The equator is the most significant latitude line, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Latitudes are measured in degrees, ranging from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles. Each degree of latitude is approximately 111 kilometers apart, making them useful for measuring distances north or south of the equator.
**Longitudes**, on the other hand, are the vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. They are used to measure distances east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is the line of longitude that passes through Greenwich, England. Longitudes are also measured in degrees, ranging from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east or west.
The **geographic grid** is the complete system of latitude and longitude lines that covers the Earth's surface. This grid system is essential for navigation, map reading, and determining the exact location of any point on the Earth.
Understanding the difference between latitudes and longitudes is crucial for anyone studying geography, cartography, or navigation. Latitudes are the horizontal lines that run parallel to the equator, while longitudes are the vertical lines that run from pole to pole. The equator and the Prime Meridian serve as the reference points for these lines, respectively.
In summary, the horizontal lines on maps and globes are called latitudes, which are essential for measuring distances north or south of the equator. This concept is fundamental in understanding geographic coordinates and is widely tested in various competitive examinations in India, including UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT, and NDA.