How to Describe the Location of a Place Using Latitude and Longitude

Knowing how to describe the location of a place using latitude and longitude is a key skill for geography exams. After this lesson, you'll be able to read, write, and explain coordinates the way examiners expect, and avoid the most common mistakes.

What You Need to Know

• Latitude measures how far north or south a place is from the Equator (0° latitude). It ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90° North (the North Pole) or 90° South (the South Pole).
• Longitude measures how far east or west a place is from the Prime Meridian (0° longitude, which runs through Greenwich, London). It ranges from 0° to 180° East or West.
• Coordinates are always written as: (latitude, longitude).
• Always include the direction (N/S for latitude, E/W for longitude).

Steps for Giving a Location

1. Find the latitude: Is the place north or south of the Equator? Write the number of degrees and the direction (N or S).
2. Find the longitude: Is the place east or west of the Prime Meridian? Write the number of degrees and the direction (E or W).
3. Write the coordinates: Always list latitude first, then longitude. Example: 51°N, 0°W.

Worked Example

Suppose you are asked: "Describe the location of Nairobi, Kenya using latitude and longitude."

1. Look up the coordinates (or use the map): Nairobi is about 1° South of the Equator and 36° East of the Prime Meridian.
2. Write: 1°S, 36°E

How This Appears in Exams

• "State the latitude and longitude of Cape Town."
• "Explain what 40°N, 74°W tells you about a location."
• "Give the coordinates for a city that is north of the Equator and west of the Prime Meridian."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Reversing the order: Always write latitude first, then longitude.
• Forgetting directions: Never leave off N/S/E/W. "45°, 90°" is incomplete—write "45°N, 90°E".
• Mixing up Equator and Prime Meridian: Remember: latitude = Equator; longitude = Prime Meridian.

Practice Questions

1. Give the coordinates for Buenos Aires, Argentina (look them up or use a map).
2. What is the latitude and longitude of Tokyo, Japan?
3. Which direction is 23°S, 43°W from the Equator and Prime Meridian?

Answers:

1. 34°S, 58°W
2. 35°N, 139°E
3. South of the Equator, west of the Prime Meridian.

Takeaway

Practise reading and writing coordinates until you can do it quickly and confidently. This skill is often tested, and small details like direction and order matter.