Final answer:
Absolute location is an exact position on Earth, specified by latitude and longitude. Technological devices like GPS use these coordinates for precise navigation. The current graticule-based system was formalized in the 19th century but originates from ancient Greek concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Absolute location is a term used in geography to describe the exact position of a place on the Earth's surface. It's defined by two numbers, its latitude and longitude. Latitude lines are horizontal and run parallel to the Equator, while longitude lines are vertical and spread out from the Prime Meridian. These coordinates provide a unique identifier for any location, which is essential for activities like navigation and cartography.
For example, the White House in Washington, D.C., has an absolute location of approximately 38.8977° N latitude and 77.0365° W longitude. These precise coordinates allow anyone around the world to locate the White House using a GPS device or a map that includes a grid system.
The system we use today for this grid was created by ancient Greeks and later formalized by the English mathematician Sir George Airy in 1851. Modern technology, such as smartphones and GPS devices, relies on this ancient logic to help users navigate and find specific locations with high accuracy.