What is the Prime Meridian?
Learning Objective
I can explain what the prime meridian is and where it is located.
Key Concepts
Ptolemy was a famous geographer who created imaginary lines called map coordinates to help us find our way.
Latitude lines run north and south of the equator, while longitude lines run east and west of the prime meridian.
To find a location on a map using coordinates, remember 'flat first, long last,' meaning find the latitude line before the longitude line.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What does the prime meridian divide the Earth into?
2. If you are standing on the prime meridian, what is your longitude coordinate?
3. Explain in your own words what the prime meridian is and why it is important for finding places on a map.
Educational Video
Map Skills 5: Latitude and Longitude - Practice With Coordinates on a Map
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