Keresztszélessége

Keresztszélessége, also known as latitude, is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds, ranging from 0 degrees at the Equator to 90 degrees at the poles. The latitude of a location is the angle between the equatorial plane and a line that is perpendicular to the Earth's surface at that location.

The concept of latitude is fundamental to cartography, navigation, and geography. It is used to define the position of a location on a map or globe and to calculate distances between points. Latitude is also used in climate studies, as it influences the amount of solar radiation received by a location, which in turn affects its climate.

There are two main types of latitude: geographic latitude and geocentric latitude. Geographic latitude is the angle between the equatorial plane and a line perpendicular to the Earth's surface at a given point. Geocentric latitude, on the other hand, is the angle between the equatorial plane and a line that connects the center of the Earth to the given point. The difference between the two is due to the Earth's oblateness, which causes the surface to bulge at the equator and flatten at the poles.

Latitude is typically measured using a variety of instruments, including theodolites, GPS devices, and astrolabes. These instruments allow for precise measurements of latitude, which are essential for a wide range of applications, from navigation to surveying to climate research.