Globe, Maps & Coordinates

• Globe — 3D model of Earth; shows true shape, size, direction.
• Map — 2D flat representation; uses scale, direction, symbols (elements of a map).
• Latitude — horizontal lines (parallels); measure degrees N or S of equator.
• Longitude — vertical lines (meridians); measure degrees E or W of Prime Meridian.
• Important latitudes: Equator (0°), Tropics, Arctic/Antarctic Circles, Poles.

Globe vs Map

Latitudes (parallels)

• Run east–west; measure north–south position.
• 0° = Equator — divides Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres.
• 23.5°N = Tropic of Cancer — Sun directly overhead at summer solstice.
• 23.5°S = Tropic of Capricorn — Sun directly overhead at winter solstice.
• 66.5°N = Arctic Circle.
• 66.5°S = Antarctic Circle.
• 90°N = North Pole; 90°S = South Pole.

Longitudes (meridians)

• Run north–south; measure east–west position.
• 0° = Prime Meridian (Greenwich, UK) — divides Earth into Eastern and Western hemispheres.
• 180° = International Date Line (opposite Prime Meridian).
• India's standard meridian = 82.5°E (IST = GMT + 5:30 hours).

Elements of a map (acronym: TODALS)

Title · Orientation (N arrow) · Distance (scale) · Area (legend/key) · Legend (symbols) · Source

Scale

Scale = map distance / actual distance.

If scale is 1 : 10,00,000 → 1 cm on map = 10 km in reality.

A map has scale 1 : 5,00,000. Two cities are 6 cm apart on the map. What is the actual distance?

Actual distance = map distance × scale denominator
= 6 cm × 5,00,000 = 30,00,000 cm = 300 km.

• What is the difference between latitude and longitude?
• Name three important parallels of latitude.
• What is the Prime Meridian and where does it pass?
• India's standard meridian is 82.5°E. Why is it chosen?
• Name the six elements of a map.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Globe, Maps & Coordinates.