LATLONG is an abbreviated term commonly used in navigation and geography, representing latitude and longitude. It refers to a geographical coordinate system that enables the identification of any point on the Earth's surface using both latitude and longitude measurements, which are angular measurements expressed in degrees. The term is formed by combining the first syllables of the words "latitude" and "longitude," emphasizing the two fundamental components of the coordinate system.
Latitude denotes the north-south position of a particular point on the Earth's surface and is measured in degrees from the equator. It ranges from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the North and South Poles. Positive latitude values refer to the Northern Hemisphere, while negative values indicate the Southern Hemisphere.
Longitude, on the other hand, denotes the east-west position and is measured in degrees from the Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England. Longitude values range from 0 degrees at the Prime Meridian to 180 degrees in both the eastern and western directions. The Eastern Hemisphere is assigned positive values, while the Western Hemisphere is assigned negative values.
Combining latitude and longitude coordinates allows for precise representation of any location on the Earth's surface, facilitating accurate mapping, cartography, and navigation. LATLONG is a concise way to refer to this coordinate system and is widely used in various industries, including transportation, surveying, satellite imaging, and global positioning systems (GPS).
