What is the primary difference between longitude and latitude?

The primary difference between longitude and latitude lies in what they measure and their orientation on the Earth's surface. Longitude refers to the geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees from the Prime Meridian, which runs north-south. Thus, longitude indicates how far a location is from this line, either east or west.

On the other hand, latitude measures the north-south position of a point on the Earth. It is calculated using lines that run parallel to the equator. Latitude indicates how far a location is from the equator, either north or south.

Understanding these definitions helps clarify that longitude is specifically associated with east-west measurements, while latitude deals with north-south orientation, making the distinction between the two essential for geographic navigation and mapping.