What are meridians?

Meridians refer to lines of longitude on a map. These lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole and are used to indicate the east-west position of points on the Earth's surface. Each meridian is defined by its degree of longitude, which is measured in degrees from the Prime Meridian, located at 0 degrees longitude.

Understanding meridians is crucial in navigation and geographic orientation, as they help to create a grid system that allows for precise location identification. Unlike lines of latitude, which run parallel to the equator and are used to measure distances north or south, meridians converge at the poles. This distinction is important in geography and cartography, as each serves a different purpose for navigating and mapping the Earth.