What does latitude measure?

Latitude measures the distance from the equator to a particular location on the Earth's surface, expressed in degrees. The equator is defined as 0 degrees latitude, with latitude increasing to 90 degrees at the poles (both north and south). This measurement provides a way to determine how far north or south a specific location is relative to the equator, making it crucial for navigation and map-making.

Understanding latitude is foundational for geographers and surveyors as it helps in locating positions on the Earth's surface accurately. The concept of latitude does not relate to elevation or height above sea level, nor does it convey information about east-west positioning, which is measured by longitude.