Understanding Geographic Coordinates

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 98 views

Geographic Coordinates: Uncovering the Location of Antananarivo

Geographic coordinates play a crucial role in identifying the location of cities, countries, and other geographical features on the Earth's surface. These coordinates are expressed in terms of latitude and longitude, which are measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. In this article, we will explore the geographic coordinates of the city of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, and determine which set of coordinates accurately represents its location.

Understanding Geographic Coordinates

Latitude and longitude are the two primary components of geographic coordinates. Latitude measures the distance north or south of the Earth's equator, ranging from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles. Longitude, on the other hand, measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England, and ranges from 0° to 180° east and west.

The City of Antananarivo

Antananarivo, also known as Tana, is the capital and largest city of Madagascar, an island nation located off the coast of East Africa. The city is situated in the central highlands of Madagascar, at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level. Antananarivo is a significant cultural and economic hub, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

Analyzing the Options

Now that we have a basic understanding of geographic coordinates and the city of Antananarivo, let's analyze the given options:

Option A: $25^{\circ} S , 32^{\circ} E$

This set of coordinates places Antananarivo at a latitude of 25° south and a longitude of 32° east. However, this location is not consistent with the city's known geographical position.

Option B: $18^{\circ} S , 47^{\circ} E$

This option suggests that Antananarivo is located at a latitude of 18° south and a longitude of 47° east. While this is closer to the city's actual location, it still does not accurately represent its geographical position.

Option C: $13^{\circ} S , 33^{\circ} E$

This set of coordinates places Antananarivo at a latitude of 13° south and a longitude of 33° east. This location is more consistent with the city's known geographical position, but we need to verify it further.

Option D: $22^{\circ} S , 17^{\circ} E$

This option suggests that Antananarivo is located at a latitude of 22° south and a longitude of 17° east. However, this location is not consistent with the city's known geographical position.

Verifying the Coordinates

To determine which set of coordinates accurately represents the location of Antananarivo, we need to consult a reliable geographic information source, such as a map or a geographic information system (GIS). According to various sources, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geographic Society, the correct coordinates for Antananarivo are:

Latitude: 18°56′S
Longitude: 47°31′E

These coordinates place Antananarivo at a latitude of 18°56′ south and a longitude of 47°31′ east. This location is consistent with the city's known geographical position.

In conclusion, the correct set of coordinates for the city of Antananarivo is $18^{\circ} S , 47^{\circ} E$ . This location accurately represents the city's geographical position, which is situated in the central highlands of Madagascar. By understanding geographic coordinates and analyzing the given options, we can determine the correct location of a city or any other geographical feature on the Earth's surface.

Antananarivo is the capital and largest city of Madagascar, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people.
The city is situated in the central highlands of Madagascar, at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level.
Antananarivo is a significant cultural and economic hub, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
The city is known for its unique blend of Malagasy, French, and African cultures, as well as its stunning natural beauty, including the nearby Andringitra National Park.
Geographic Coordinates: Frequently Asked Questions

In our previous article, we explored the geographic coordinates of the city of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. We analyzed the given options and determined that the correct coordinates for the city are $18^{\circ} S , 47^{\circ} E$ . In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about geographic coordinates and provide additional information to help you better understand this topic.

Q: What are geographic coordinates?

A: Geographic coordinates are a way to identify the location of a point on the Earth's surface using latitude and longitude. Latitude measures the distance north or south of the Earth's equator, while longitude measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian.

Q: What is the difference between latitude and longitude?

A: Latitude measures the distance north or south of the Earth's equator, ranging from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles. Longitude, on the other hand, measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England, and ranges from 0° to 180° east and west.

Q: How are geographic coordinates used?

A: Geographic coordinates are used in a variety of applications, including:

Navigation: Geographic coordinates are used to determine the location of a point on the Earth's surface, which is essential for navigation.
Mapping: Geographic coordinates are used to create maps, which are essential for understanding the layout of an area.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Geographic coordinates are used in GIS to analyze and visualize geographic data.
Emergency Services: Geographic coordinates are used to locate emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks.

Q: How are geographic coordinates expressed?

A: Geographic coordinates are expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds. For example, the coordinates for Antananarivo are $18^{\circ} S , 47^{\circ} E$ , which means 18 degrees south latitude and 47 degrees east longitude.

Q: What is the significance of the equator and the prime meridian?

A: The equator is an imaginary line that runs around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The prime meridian is an imaginary line that runs through Greenwich, England, and is used as the reference point for measuring longitude.

Q: How are geographic coordinates used in everyday life?

A: Geographic coordinates are used in a variety of everyday applications, including:

GPS: Geographic coordinates are used in GPS to determine the location of a point on the Earth's surface.
Online Maps: Geographic coordinates are used in online maps to determine the location of a point on the Earth's surface.
Emergency Services: Geographic coordinates are used to locate emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks.

Q: What are some common mistakes when working with geographic coordinates?

A: Some common mistakes when working with geographic coordinates include:

Confusing latitude and longitude.
Using the wrong reference point for measuring longitude.
Not accounting for the Earth's slightly ellipsoidal shape.

In conclusion, geographic coordinates are a fundamental concept in geography and are used in a variety of applications. By understanding how to work with geographic coordinates, you can better navigate the world and make informed decisions. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of geographic coordinates and how they are used in everyday life.

Geographic coordinates are used in a variety of fields, including geography, navigation, mapping, and emergency services.
The equator and the prime meridian are significant reference points for measuring latitude and longitude.
Geographic coordinates are used in everyday applications, including GPS, online maps, and emergency services.
Common mistakes when working with geographic coordinates include confusing latitude and longitude, using the wrong reference point for measuring longitude, and not accounting for the Earth's slightly ellipsoidal shape.