The Equator and Prime Meridian are two of the lines on maps and globes that help you find places on the Earth. All the lines together are called latitude and longitude. Latitude and longitude lines cross one another, forming a pattern called a grid system.

Lines of latitude (LA•tuh•tood) circle the Earth parallel to the Equator. They measure distance north or south of the Equator in degrees. The Equator is at 0° (zero degrees) latitude, while the North Pole is at latitude 90° N (90 degrees north).

Lines of longitude (LAHN•juh•tood) circle the Earth from Pole to Pole. These lines measure distances east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is at 0° longitude.

The grid system formed by lines of latitude and longitude makes it possible to find the absolute location of a place. This is the exact spot where a line of latitude crosses a line of longitude. An absolute location is written in special symbols called degrees (°) and minutes (′) (points between degrees). For example, the Empire State Building in New York City is located at a latitude of 40° 44′ North and a longitude of 73° 59′ West (40 degrees 44 minutes North and 73 degrees 59 minutes West).