Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

What do parallels, or lines of latitude, measure in relation to the equator?

1. Arc distance east or west of the prime meridian

2. Northerly and southerly from the equator to the poles

3. Arc distance westward from the prime meridian

4. Northerly and southerly from the poles to the equator

The correct answer is: Northerly and southerly from the equator to the poles

Parallels, or lines of latitude, are specifically designed to measure angular distance in a north-south direction from the equator, which is defined as 0 degrees latitude. The latitude lines increase in number as they move toward the poles, reaching a maximum of 90 degrees at the North Pole and -90 degrees at the South Pole. This measurement reflects how far a location is from the equator, in terms of degrees, indicating whether it is in the northern or southern hemisphere. Understanding this concept is crucial in navigation, map-making, and geographic coordinate systems, as it informs how we denote positions on the Earth's surface relative to the equator.