What is Latitude?

Latitude refers to the geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees, with the equator defined as 0 degrees latitude. Lines of latitude run parallel to the equator and are used to determine how far north or south a location is from this central line. The degrees increase toward the poles, culminating at 90 degrees north at the North Pole and 90 degrees south at the South Pole.

In the context of geographical navigation and mapping, understanding latitude is crucial, as it helps travelers and navigators pinpoint locations accurately. Lines of latitude, which are often referred to as parallels, provide reference points for establishing time zones and climatic zones as well.

Other options describe different geographic concepts: the first option pertains to longitude, which measures east-west position; the third option describes longitude as well but incorrectly defines it; the last option discusses coastal proximity rather than latitude.