Final answer:
Lines of latitude and longitude form the basis of the geographic coordinate system that enables precise identification of any location on Earth. They are critical for navigation, the mapmaking, and are used by modern GPS technology to facilitate worldwide navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lines of latitude and longitude serve a critical purpose in geography and cartography. They are the basis for the geographic coordinate system that allows us to identify any location on Earth with precision. Latitude lines run parallel to the Equator and measure the distance north or south from it, spanning from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles. Conversely, longitude lines, also called meridians, run from the North Pole to the South Pole and measure the distance east or west from the Prime Meridian, which is based at Greenwich, England.
These coordinates are essential for navigation, allowing sailors and pilots to pinpoint their exact location on a map. They also enable mapmakers and geographers to provide a unique and simple address for every location on Earth, which facilitates studyi and analysis of spatial phenomena. Additionally, the global positioning system (GPS) that we commonly use in smartphones and other devices relies on this ancient but still relevant grid system to help us navigate our way around the planet.