Why do all maps label the Equator 0 degrees latitude and the Prime Meridian 0 degrees longitude?

Answer 1

Maps are similar to math grids, and laid out in degrees latitude and longitude. Just as in math, if you know the values for x and y (which start at zero and go up, down, or across in positive and negative numbers), you know where to put them on the graph. With a map, and you are looking for a particular city in a certain country,if you know the degrees latitude (or the x factor) and the degrees longitude (the y factor), you can zero in on where the city is located. It also makes a map a lot easier to read.

Answer 2

The Greenwich Meridian was agreed upon as 0 degree longitude as the international standard in October 1884. At the behest of U.S. President Chester A. Arthur, 41 delegates from 25 nations met in Washington, D.C., USA, for the International Meridian Conference. France abstained when the vote was taken, and French maps continued to use the Paris Meridian for several decades. Thus, 0 degrees longitude was decided by Birtain. Coincidentally, the Prime Meridian passes through the following countries including Africa: a. France b. Spain c. Algeria d. Mali e. Burkina Faso f. Togo g. Ghana Zero degree latitude is the Equator which passes through the widest part of the Earth's circumferemce and agin as a matter of coincidence, Afirca is situated at the widest part of the earth's circumference. Hope this answers your query !

Answer 3

The Prime Meridian Is 0 Degrees

Answer 4

Because they are 0 degrees latitude and 0 degrees longitude.

Answer 5

Because that is the starting point of all the measuremeants...you can't start at one because you would be missing the distance between zero and one, or nothing and one.

Answer 6

it divides the earth into two equal hemisheres