Latitude measures distance in relation to which direction?

Latitude is a geographical coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It measures the distance from the equator, which is at 0 degrees latitude, and can extend up to 90 degrees north at the North Pole and 90 degrees south at the South Pole. Therefore, latitude is fundamentally concerned with the north and south directions.

This concept is critical in navigation, cartography, and various earth sciences, as it helps define the positioning of locations in relation to the Earth's axial tilt and the equatorial line. Understanding latitude is essential for determining climate zones, weather patterns, and travel routes in a north-south context.