Latitude measures distance in relation to which reference point?

Latitude is a geographic coordinate that measures the distance north or south of the Equator, which is designated as 0 degrees latitude. The Equator serves as the primary reference point for latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Each degree of latitude corresponds to approximately 69 miles (111 kilometers) on the Earth’s surface, allowing it to provide a reliable system for identifying locations.

The other reference points, such as the Prime Meridian, mark longitude and help establish east-west positions on the globe. The Poles are significant for understanding the extreme ends of the Earth’s rotation, but they do not serve as a primary marker for measuring latitude. The International Date Line is primarily concerned with time zones and does not influence how latitude is measured. Thus, the correct reference point for latitude is indeed the Equator.